National Dish Uruguay: Stuffed Courgettes (Recipe)
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Say hello to Stuffed Courgettes, Uruguay’s much-loved zapallitos rellenos. Tender courgette halves are hollowed out and packed with a savoury filling of seasoned minced meat, sweet onion and ripe tomato, then crowned with melting cheese and baked until golden. Light enough for a starter yet hearty enough for a main, this is the kind of homely dish that celebrates the garden harvest and turns a handful of fresh ingredients into something quietly special.
About Stuffed Courgettes
Stuffed Courgettes are a traditional dish of Uruguayan cuisine, enjoyed equally as a starter and as a light main course. The courgettes are typically filled with a mixture of locally available ingredients such as minced meat, vegetables and spices, which lend them a deep, savoury flavour. The dish is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to make the most of your own vegetable patch or the local market. The combination of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices turns zapallitos rellenos into something genuinely memorable.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 medium courgettes
- 200 g minced meat (beef or chicken)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1 tomato, deseeded and diced
- 50 g grated cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- Olive oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for Stuffed Courgettes, it is well worth choosing fresh, good-quality produce. Visit a local market to find the best courgettes and tomatoes. Make sure the minced meat is fresh, as this has a big impact on the flavour of the finished dish. Where you can, opt for seasonal produce too, to bring out the fullest aromas and the greatest freshness.
Preparing the dish
Preparing the dish begins with the courgettes. Slice them in half lengthways and scoop out the centres with a spoon. Keep that flesh to add back to the filling later, as it will deepen the flavour. Next, make the filling by frying the minced meat together with the onion, garlic and spices. Browning the mixture coaxes out the aromas and builds the kind of rich, layered taste that makes the dish such a treat.
Step-by-step instructions
- Prepare the courgettes by halving them and scooping out the centres.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic.
- Add the minced meat and fry until it is cooked right through.
- Add the reserved courgette flesh and the diced tomato, and cook briefly.
- Season with paprika, oregano, salt and pepper, and mix well.
- Fill the prepared courgette halves with the mixture and scatter over the grated cheese.
- Arrange the stuffed courgettes in an ovenproof dish and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 25–30 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly after baking, then serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
This recipe lends itself easily to gluten-free and lactose-free adaptations. In place of grated cheese you can use a plant-based cheese, or simply leave it out altogether. Choose gluten-free minced meat, or even a mixture of quinoa and vegetables for the filling. That way the flavour is preserved and the dish stays accessible for every dietary need.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegan and vegetarian versions of Stuffed Courgettes are just as simple to make. Swap the minced meat for chopped mushrooms, soya mince or lentils for a meat-free filling. You can also add beans or chickpeas to boost the nutritional value. The flavour is easy to adjust with extra herbs and spices, so everyone can enjoy their own take on the dish.
More tips and tricks
A few tips and tricks can help you perfect the dish. Experiment with different fillings, whether nuts or extra vegetables, to make the flavour even more interesting. Take care not to bake the courgettes for too long, so they keep a little bite. A pinch of freshly chopped herbs before serving lifts the dish and adds a welcome splash of colour.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
One of the great strengths of Stuffed Courgettes is just how adaptable the recipe is. Depending on your preferences, you can work in different spices or ingredients. Add chilli, for example, to give the dish a spicier kick. Or try different cheeses for new flavours, and vary the filling according to the season and what is available.
Ingredient substitutions
When you do not have a particular ingredient to hand, it is easy to find substitutions. In place of minced meat you might use a plant-based product such as seitan or tofu. Depending on the region, you can also try different cheeses and spices to give the dish its own distinctive, local character — much like the hearty fillings tucked inside Empanadas Criollas.
Drink pairing ideas
A variety of drinks can round the dish off beautifully. A light, fruity white wine sits wonderfully alongside the flavours of the stuffed courgettes. A full-bodied, aromatic red is another fine choice. For guests who prefer to skip the alcohol, options such as sparkling water with lemon or freshly pressed fruit juices work splendidly.
Serving and presentation ideas
Thoughtful presentation can make a dish look even more appetising. Serve the Stuffed Courgettes on an attractive plate and garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme or basil. A decorative drizzle of tomato sauce around the edge finishes the look nicely. Remember that we eat with our eyes first, so an inviting presentation greatly enhances the enjoyment.
A bit of history
Stuffed Courgettes have their roots in the traditional cooking of Uruguay, where fresh vegetables and savoury fillings play a central role. This culinary tradition reflects the influence of both Spanish and Italian cuisine and has taken on countless variations over the centuries. The courgette, often grown in the home garden, is a much-loved vegetable in Uruguayan home cooking. With every family keeping its own recipe, the culinary story stays alive and is passed down — alongside other staples such as a sizzling Asado or a crisp Milanesa de Carne.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Stuffed Courgettes
In short, Stuffed Courgettes are a versatile and flavourful dish from Uruguay, perfect both as a starter and as a main course. They bring together wholesome ingredients and lend themselves to countless adaptations. Whether in a vegan version or in the traditional style, this courgette classic is sure to be a hit in any kitchen. Let the wealth of flavours inspire you, and have fun experimenting with your own variations.
