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Pesto quinoa Petits Farcis

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large beefsteak tomatoes
  • 4 round or standard zucchini
  • 1 cup dry white quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus 2 tbsp for brushing)
  • coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 oz goat cheese or mozzarella, crumbled

Method
 

  1. Cook the Quinoa: Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rinsed quinoa, cover, and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook for 15minutes, then remove from the heat and let it steam, covered, for 5 minutes.Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
  2. Blend the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, minced garlic, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped, then stream in the ¼ cup of olive oil while blending until smooth.
  3. Hollow the Vegetables: Slice the tops off the beefsteak tomatoes and gently scoop out the inner pulp and seeds with a spoon (save the tomato cores for a vinaigrette or soup). Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise—or horizontally if using round zucchini—and scoop out the center flesh, leaving a sturdy ⅓-inch border to create boats.
  4. Prep the Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the hollowed tomatoes and zucchini in a baking dish. Lightly brush the insides and tops of the vegetables with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  5. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked quinoa with ⅓ cup of the fresh pesto until the grains are evenly coated. Fold in a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Stuff and Top: Spoon the pesto-quinoa mixture into the hollowed tomato and zucchini shells, packing them lightly. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or mozzarella evenly across the top of each stuffed vegetable.
  7. Bake and Serve: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender, and the cheese is melted and golden. Serve immediately while hot, or let cool and serve at room temperature.