Gaziantep Style Stuffed Zucchini

(Kabak Oturtması - Gaziantep)

4 small zucchinis, washed
4 slices of tomato
1/3 cup water
1 tbsp crushed tomatoes, canned
1 tsp red pepper paste

1/4 cup sun flower oil to fry

Beef Filling:
100g medium ground beef
1 small onion, sliced
Pinch of red pepper (pepper flakes), crushed
Salt
Pepper

Wash the zucchinis and cut off a thin slice of the bottom of each one, so that they can stand up straight. Cut off the tops (as in the picture) and carve out the insides. Lightly fry the zucchinis in the oil. Put them aside.

To prepare the filling; saute the ground beef with onion until the colour turns to light brown. Do not over cook! Leave some juice in it. Mix all the filling ingredients with a teaspoon and stuff the zucchinis. Then cover the zucchinis with the tomato slices. Place them in a small oven proof dish.

Mix the water with crushed tomatoes and red pepper paste. Pour all over the zucchinis.

Preheat the oven 400 F (200 C). Place the dish on middle rack. Cook until the tops lightly brown.

2 servings.