Black Bean Stuffed Zucchini (vegan) Recipe

If you make this recipe, tag @holisticwellnessandhealth and use the hashtag #holisticwellnessandhealth on Facebook and Instagram.

Ingredients 

• STUFFED ZUCCHINI

  • 4 medium zucchini or 1 extra-large zucchini
  • 1-2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1.5 cups black beans , cooked (or a 15 oz. can, drained)

   

  TANGY SAUCE

  • 1/4 cup sunflower seed butter
  • 1/4 cup warm filtered water
  • 4 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (mostly for color)
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Slice the top and bottom knobs off of each zucchini squash, then slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the center seeds of each squash, creating a crevice that will hold the black bean filling. Arrange the squash halves, cut-side-up, on a large baking sheet and bake them at 350ºF until very tender, about 20-40 minutes depending on size of zucchini.
2. While the squash is baking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the onion and pepper until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and sauté another minute.
3. Add in the black beans, cumin, salt, and chili powder, and stir until everything is heated through. Turn off the heat and let the vegetables sit in the warm pan until the zucchini is done cooking. 
4. To prepare the sauce, stir together all of the ingredients in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust any seasoning to taste. It will be slightly salty and tangy, but will be diluted in flavor when drizzled over all the vegetables.

To assemble, remove the zucchini from the oven and fill each half with plenty of the hot black bean mixture. Top with a generous drizzle of sauce. Serve warm. 

YouTube Recipe Video: https://youtu.be/IRlncOFRT7o