I really enjoy making the focus of a meal the vegetable. Vegetables are just so versatile! They provide a fresh option to the common meat-and-potatoes pattern in which we often find ourselves. I especially love Italian-style vegetables with a rice or couscous stuffing, complete with tomatoes, possible ground beef or turkey, cheese, corn, or maybe even black beans. Baked at a perfect temperature for the perfect amount of time, with the cheese a golden brown at the end, and you have yourself the perfect meal!
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed Squash
Rookie's
Stuffed Zucchinis
Variations? Try stuffed eggplant, especially the small ones. Also try for couscous in the squash, or no rice in the zucchinis. There are so many different kinds of cheeses, even feta and ricotta! There's also a vegetarian southwest variation on stuffed peppers, where you just substitute the Italian spices for cumin and chile pepper, leave out the meat, and add black beans and corn. Add a few more vegetables, even unripe tomatoes in various colors!
