Leftovers at my house are meant to be cleverly disguised, or as I like to put it "remodeled." I eat plain leftovers the next day for lunch, but by dinner I need variety. If you're like me, (which I am), then you have lots of Mexican favorites in the fridge from Cinco de Mayo. Rice, beans, Salsa, Flank Steak.... Use whatever you've got and put it into these fresh zucchini shells. If you've got a microwave, ten minutes, and Mexican leftovers then you've got dinner tonight.
Santa Fe Stuffed Zucchini
Estimated Cost: $4.00
If you don't like zucchini, red or pasilla peppers would make excellent subs.
3 medium zucchini
1/4 cup broth or water
1 and 1/2 cups leftover Mexican rice, or cooked plain rice
1/2 cup leftover homemade salsa, divided
Optional: 3/4 cup leftover fully cooked meat, such as steak, chicken, or shrimp
1 tomato, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or jack cheese
chopped cilantro, for garnish
Slice zucchini in half lengthwise. Place cut side down in baking dish. Pour in broth or water. Cover with plastic and microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes, or until zucchini is bright green and just tender. Scoop out center with spoon, leaving zucchini "shells." Chop the zucchini you removed. In a medium bowl, combine rice, 1/4 cup salsa, and meat, if using. Add the tomatoes and green onions; season to taste with salt and pepper. Stuff the mixture into the zucchini shells. Drizzle with remaining salsa and sprinkle with cheese. Microwave on high for three minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with additional tomato and cilantro if desired.
6 comments:
These "leftovers" look delicious! I know what we're having for dinner tommorow night! Thanks for all the great ideas!
Great idea and I love zuchinni. I will have to try this!
When I was younger I would only eat zucchini if my mom battered it and fried it. Now I love it anyway I can get it. I haven't made it stuffed yet, but you have inspired me to try it.
I love using leftovers too. I mean, why waste good ingredients? It's almost a fun challenge to see what new dinner you can come up with!
Your Zuchinni looks terrific, I'd be a happy girl eating those left-overs!!
I am afraid Prudy, dear, that is not how I remember our lefovers at all, it seemed that some were tastier on the second night out. It takes a clever cook to disguise her work and it takes several years of practice to master the fine art of pre-prepared cuisine. Love, Babs
I'm making this tonight for dinner. Missing you and your blog.:)
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