Community Cookbook

Zucchini Taco Boats

Dave St.

This recipe makes Variable servings

Zucchini Taco Boats were created by a friend who has numerous dietary restrictions but who also loves Mexican food.  It is simply a different way to present a classic taco meal.

Essentially, we will create tacos and replace the shells with hollowed out zucchinis.  I am including my steps to season and prep the meat.

Taco Meat:
* Ground Beef (I prefer ground chuck)

* Chili Powder

* Fresh Minced Garlic

* Smoked Salt (I prefer hickory smoked salt)

Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl, add in the chili powder (use fully twice as much as you think you should. For one pound of ground beef I use approximately three tablespoons).  Coat your hands lightly with olive oil and squishing the meat through your fingers, vigorously mix the chili powder into the meat.

Once thoroughly mixed, place the meet in a frying pan over medium high heat and sear while breaking it into small pieces.  When the larger pieces are at the rare stage, add in minced garlic to the pan and combine well. 

When the meat has reached the Medium stage, liberally salt with the smoked salt, place a lid over the pan, reduce the heat and let simmer for a few more minutes.  We will be finishing cooking the meat in oven when we complete the tacos.  Remove the meat from the frying pan and place into a bowl to use later.

Zucchini Boats:

* One medium zucchini per person

Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise.  Use a spoon to scrape out the majority of the center of the zucchini. You can save what you remove for other recipes or simply discard it.

Place the now hollowed out zucchini shells skin side down on a cookie sheet or casserole pan.  Add in the taco meat and top with shredded medium cheddar cheese.  Place the full taco boats into a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes ensuring the cheese is fully melted.

Once done, remove from the oven and plate.  Top with your favorite taco condiments.  I like guacamole, sour cream, diced green onions, and a rich smoky taco sauce.  But you do you.

You'll need a knife and fork to eat these.  There is no picking them up.