Vegan Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Vegan Stuffed Zucchini Boats or Lentil Stuffed Zucchini Boats - Zucchini is hollowed out, seasoned, and seared (skin side down) until it becomes soft. Then it is stuffed with low-carb pizza sauce and cooked lentils. Topped with vegan cheese they are baked until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Jump to:

• Vegan Keto Zucchini Boats
• Lentil Stuffed Zucchini Boats
• Ingredients
• How to Make Lentil Stuffed Zucchini Boats
• Variations and Substitutions
• How Do you Freeze Zucchini Boats
• Can I make them Ahead of time
• Am I Supposed to Eat the Skin of Zucchini Boats
• How to Wash Zucchini
• How Do you Scoop out the center of Zucchini
• More Zucchini Recipes
• Vegan Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Generally, Zucchini Boats are stuffed with Ground Beef. But, since we are making vegan stuffed zucchini boats, we will replace ground beef with lentils. I have used red lentils since it cooks faster. You can replace it with green or brown lentils.

Instead of lentils you can stuff your Zucchini Boats with other Vegetarian ingredients such as corn or snap peas or black beans or Quinoa.

Vegan Food and Vegan Culture have taken over the world like never before. In fact, it is the future. Trends suggest that plant-based recipes are the new tomorrow. Read more about The Rise of Vegan Food and Vegan Culture in America.

Vegan Keto Zucchini Boats

Zucchini is a summer squash that is widely grown here in the United States. And, it's super easy to grow at home. This recipe right here is made from fresh Zucchini that I grew in my garden. Isn't that amazing? Woohoo 🥳

Zucchini is rich in fiber and contains zero fat. It has so many nutrients, minerals, and vitamins such as vitamin A, B6, Riboflavin, and Vitamin C.

In my home, sometimes, my kids complain that Zucchini tastes bitter. But, looking at its nutritional value, I keep thinking about unique ways to incorporate Zucchini into our dinner.

From Eggplant and Zucchini Lasagna (Crockpot) to Crockpot Zucchini Baked Ziti (Low Carb) to Parmesan Zucchini Fries in Air Fryer to Lemon Zucchini Pasta Recipe and many more.

Lentil Stuffed Zucchini Boats

As I said, since it's Vegan Zucchini Boats you can use Quinoa or Rice or Black Beans or Corn, or anything that you like. But, if any ingredients resemble closest to ground beef in terms of taste, it is Lentils. I am talking about red lentils here. You can of course replace it with green or brown lentils.

Lentils add structure and a nutty undertone to these Vegan Stuffed Zucchini Boats. If you love recipes with lentils then you can try Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe {Vegan} or Vegan Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes or Baked Lentil Hand Pies or Vegan Lentil Loaf {Vegan Meatloaf} or Vegan Lentil Coconut Curry in Crockpot or Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti or Traditional Brown Lentil Soup Recipe and more.

Ingredients

Look at the recipe card at the bottom of the post for quantities and see the video for a quick visual.

• Zucchini Squash - Cut lenghtwise
• cooked Lentils - I have used red lentils you can use brown or green lentils as well.
• Red Onion - you can use white or yellow onion
• Garlic - to get that garlicky kick
• Low Carb Pizza Sauce - Can be replaced with Pasta Sauce or Marinara Sauce
• Salt, Garlic Powder, Red Pepper Flakes - To season Zucchini Squash
• Olive Oil - to sear zucchini squash
• Spices - Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Salt, and Thyme
• Vegan Cheese

How to Make Lentil Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Here is how to make Lentil stuffed Zucchini boats with step-by-step images.

Step 1: Cook Lentils

Rinse about a cup of lentils and allow them to soak water for 10-15 minutes. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add lentils and cook for 10-15 minutes until al dente. Drain the lentils using a strainer and then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Scoop out the center of Zucchini

Use a sharp knife and discard the ends. Next, slice them lengthwise. Use a measuring spoon or a scooper to scoop out the center leaving 1/4 inch of the border on all sides.

Step 3: Season Zucchini Slices

Season Zucchini Slices with Salt, Garlic Powder, and Red Pepper Flakes. Brush them with olive oil.

Step 4: Sear Zucchini until soft

Heat a pan or a cast-iron skillet with olive oil. Once the oil shimmers add zucchini slices (skin side down) and sear until soft for 2-3 minutes. Flip over and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Next, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 5: Make the Filling for boats

In the same pan or Cast-iron skillet add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become soft.

Add cooked lentils and stir well for 2-minutes. Add spices, herbs, and seasoning - cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of dried thyme.

Cook for another 2-3 minutes and then keep it aside.

Step 6: Divide Lentil Mixture into Prepared Zucchini

Spoon Low carb Pizza Sauce into prepared zucchini. Then divide the lentil mixture into zucchini. Top with vegan cheese and bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 400°F OR 200°C for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Variations and Substitutions

Spinach - You can add some sautéed baby spinach along with lentils to make the filling.

Vegan Sausages - Feel Free to substitute Lentils with Vegan Sausages.

Chopped Fresh Mushrooms - Instead of Lentils you can add chopped Fresh Mushrooms to make the filling.

How Do you Freeze Zucchini Boats

Yes, Cooked Zucchini Boats can be frozen. You can freeze them for 2-3 months. Since they are vegan Zucchini boats and there are no dairy products involved therefore freezing them becomes so much easier. Just allow them to come down to room temperature. Then cover each Zucchini boat tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-friendly bag. They can be frozen for 2-3 months.

Can I make them Ahead of time

You can also Freeze uncooked Zucchini Boats for 2-3 months. Make the filling separately and keep it frozen. Similarly, scoop out the center of the zucchini, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-friendly bag.

When ready to reuse thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Am I Supposed to Eat the Skin of Zucchini Boats

Well, you are not the first person to ask this question. Many people have asked - "Do you eat the skin on zucchini boats?" The answer is YES. Zucchini skin contains carotenoids which is basically a pigment that creates the bright green color in Zucchini. For us Humans, Carotenoids act as anti-oxidant. It's good for your skin. It's great for your eyes. Therefore do not peel off the skin.

How to Wash Zucchini

Before you begin using Zucchini, make sure you wash your Zucchini. Many people have asked - "How do you wash zucchini?". The answer is pretty simple. Run it under cold water and use your fingers to rub off any visible specs of dust. Dry it off with a paper towel.

How Do you Scoop out the center of Zucchini

This is probably the easiest and the most important part of this recipe. If you aren't able to hollow out your Zucchini it would be very difficult for you to get done with this recipe. And, you are not the first person to ask this question. Many people who are making this for the first time ask - "How do you hollow out zucchini?"

First, discard the unwanted ends and then use a sharp knife to cut them from the center lengthwise so that you create two flat sides. Then use a measuring spoon to scoop out the center of the Zucchini. You should definitely see the video (embedded below for a quick visual)

More Zucchini Recipes

• Keto Bang Bang Zoodles
• KETO Zucchini Meatballs (No Breadcrumbs)
• Keto Quinoa Zucchini Muffins - (No Flour, No Sugar, No Oats)
• Low Carb Zucchini Carrots Tater Tots
• Simplest Roasted Zucchini with Spaghetti
• Low Carb Keto Zucchini Fritters without Flour

if you are making this recipe, then please leave a rating below. Snap it and share it on Instagram with #recipemagik. Tag me @recipemagik and let me know how this turned out.