This recipe can be easily customized! You can swap out the rice for quinoa or couscous, experiment with different herbs, or even use a blend of meats like beef and lamb for extra depth of flavor. Grilling stuffed vegetables also allows you to enjoy the outdoors, making it perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients:

• rice	1/2 cup
• salt	to taste
• onion	1 small
• olive oil	2 tablespoons
• garlic	1 cloves
• eggplant	1 medium
• pepper	to taste
• zucchini	2
• bell peppers	2
• tomato sauce	1 cup
• ground meat	1 lb
• shredded cheese (optional)	1/2 cup
• herbs (such as oregano, basil, or thyme)	to taste

PREPARE VEGETABLES AND RICE:

1. Rice: Wash and cook.

2. Peppers: Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds.

3. Zucchini: Slice in half lengthwise and scoop out the center to create "boats."

4. Eggplant: Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the center, leaving a sturdy shell.

5. Lightly brush all vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

PREPARE FILLINGS

6. Onion: peel and finelly chop.

7. Garlic: peel and mince.

8. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the onions and garlic until soft.

9. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.

10. Stir in tomato sauce, cooked rice, salt, pepper, and herbs. Cook for another 3-4 minutes to combine flavors.

STUFF THE VEGETABLES

11. Spoon the meat mixture into the hollowed-out vegetables. Top with shredded cheese, if using.

GRILL

12. Preheat your grill to medium heat (~350°F).

13. Place the stuffed vegetables on the grill, away from direct heat (indirect grilling).

14. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the filling is cooked through.

15. Remove from the grill and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Stuffed vegetables with ground meat