Stuffed Round Zucchini

Ingredients

• 2 small red onions
• 2 small bell peppers
• 2 small round zucchini
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 300 grams (10.5 oz) button mushrooms, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons marjoram
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) cooked lentils
• ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to sprinkle in the veggies
• A few grinds of pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Cut the tops off the veggies and carefully scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Chop the onion and zucchini insides.
3. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the chopped onion insides, garlic and a splash of water (or oil if you prefer). Once soft add the mushrooms and fry until browned. Add the carrot and chopped zucchini insides. Cook until the carrot is tender and the liquid has evaporated.
4. Add the paprika and herbs and sautee for a few seconds to release the flavours. Add the lentils, tomato sauce, salt and pepper and cook for a couple more minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
5. Sprinkle the insides of the veggies with a bit of salt and pepper and stuff with the filling. Place them in a baking dish and put their tops back on. Bake for 45 – 60 minutes or until they can be easily pierced with a knife. Check on them from time to time and if the tops start burning, either take them out or cover them with tin foil.
6. Let cool for a couple of minutes before serving.