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Photo: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

a recipe photo of the Low-Carb, High-Protein Ground Turkey Zucchini Boats

Active Time:25 minsTotal Time:45 minsServings:4Jump to Nutrition Facts

Active Time:25 minsTotal Time:45 minsServings:4

Active Time:25 mins

Active Time:

25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:4

Servings:

4

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)Ingredients4mediumzucchini, halved lengthwise1tablespooncanola oil12ounceslean ground turkey1 ¼cupsthinly sliced bell peppers1tablespoonfinely chopped garlic1tablespoonancho chile powder2teaspoonsground cumin¾teaspoonsalt, divided½teaspoondried oregano½teaspoonsmoked paprika1tablespoontomato paste¼cupwater¾cupshredded pepper Jack cheese¼cupchopped fresh cilantro

Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

4mediumzucchini, halved lengthwise

1tablespooncanola oil

12ounceslean ground turkey

1 ¼cupsthinly sliced bell peppers

1tablespoonfinely chopped garlic

1tablespoonancho chile powder

2teaspoonsground cumin

¾teaspoonsalt, divided

½teaspoondried oregano

½teaspoonsmoked paprika

1tablespoontomato paste

¼cupwater

¾cupshredded pepper Jack cheese

¼cupchopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange zucchini halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until just tender, about 15 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add turkey and peppers; cook, stirring often, until the turkey is browned and the peppers are mostly tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in garlic, ancho, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, oregano and smoked paprika; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomato paste; cook, stirring constantly, until the turkey and vegetables are coated, about 1 minute. Stir in water; cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Carefully scoop out the center from each cooled zucchini half, leaving a 1/2-inch-thick shell. Chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh; stir into the turkey mixture. Arrange the zucchini halves cut-side up on the baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Stuff about 1/3 cup turkey mixture into each zucchini half. Sprinkle evenly with cheese (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each). Bake until heated through and the cheese is melted, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro before serving.

Equipment

Parchment paper

Frequently Asked QuestionsZucchini is loaded with nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and folate. It’s also high in antioxidants, specifically the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. Carotenoids have been shown to be powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin, eyes, bones and heart.Yes, you can! Summer squash, also known as yellow squash, is a great substitute for zucchini. When shopping for summer squash, make sure they’re firm to the touch.Ancho chile powder is a spice made from ancho chiles, which are dried poblano peppers. If you can’t find ancho chile powder, you can substitute it with chipotle chile powder.Yes, you can use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika, but it will give the dish a different flavor profile. Smoked paprika has an earthy, smoky flavor, while regular paprika is mild and sweet.No, we don’t recommend freezing uncooked or cooked zucchini boats because they will be soggy after defrosting due to their high water content.Freezing zucchiniworks best when you’ll be using it for fritters, casseroles and quick breads.You can reheat leftover zucchini boats in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or in a microwave on High until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zucchini is loaded with nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and folate. It’s also high in antioxidants, specifically the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. Carotenoids have been shown to be powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin, eyes, bones and heart.

Yes, you can! Summer squash, also known as yellow squash, is a great substitute for zucchini. When shopping for summer squash, make sure they’re firm to the touch.

Ancho chile powder is a spice made from ancho chiles, which are dried poblano peppers. If you can’t find ancho chile powder, you can substitute it with chipotle chile powder.

Yes, you can use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika, but it will give the dish a different flavor profile. Smoked paprika has an earthy, smoky flavor, while regular paprika is mild and sweet.

No, we don’t recommend freezing uncooked or cooked zucchini boats because they will be soggy after defrosting due to their high water content.Freezing zucchiniworks best when you’ll be using it for fritters, casseroles and quick breads.

You can reheat leftover zucchini boats in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or in a microwave on High until heated through.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, June 2023

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Nutrition Facts(per serving)304Calories19gFat12gCarbs25gProtein

Nutrition Facts(per serving)

  • Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.