Many parents face the daily challenge of getting kids to eat vegetables. Vegetables are essential for a balanced diet, even though little ones often miss them. This article shares a tasty zucchini cannelloni stuffed with tuna, a nutritious option that the whole family can enjoy. It works well as a first course for lunch or as a complete dinner.
Ingredients for zucchini cannelloni
For this recipe you will need three large zucchini, three cans of natural tuna, a large can of cream cheese, a small spring onion, and a small can of piquillo peppers.
If children dislike onions or bell peppers, they can be left out without sacrificing flavor. The result remains delicious and satisfying for the little ones.
How to prepare cannelloni with zucchini and tuna
Start by washing the zucchini, then trim both ends. Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips. They can be used raw or blanched for about two minutes to soften.
In a bowl, combine well drained tuna with cream cheese, chopped peppers, and onion. Mix until evenly distributed and set aside.
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It is now time to assemble. Place absorbent paper on a baking tray and lay the zucchini slices in overlapping layers. Spread the tuna mixture along each slice and roll them into cannelloni shapes. Top with grated cheese and bake briefly until the cheese is golden.
To serve, one cannelloni can be plated in a small casserole.
This dish is wonderfully complete and nourishing for the whole family.
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Recipe Variations
To add variety and keep the dish exciting, zucchini cannelloni can be filled like a pie. In that version, substitute cheese with fried tomatoes and use boiled eggs instead of onions and peppers for the filling. Mix well and fill the zucchini as in the original method.
If preferred, minced meat with a Bolognese sauce works well too. The stuffed zucchini becomes a healthier, lighter alternative to traditional cannelloni by swapping pasta for vegetables.
Another option is to make lasagna instead of cannelloni using the same ingredients. Build layers by placing zucchini slices side by side, adding a layer of filling, then another layer of zucchini and filling. Finish with grated cheddar and bake briefly until the top turns golden.