LebaneseMedium · Warm
Golden zucchini rounds filled with a savory feta and parsley mixture, baked until tender and finished with a bright lemon-tahini drizzle. A mezze-inspired appetizer that balances creamy, tangy, and herbaceous notes.
20 min
22 min
42 min
Method
Slice zucchini into 3/4-inch rounds. Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out the centers, leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell. Reserve the scooped flesh.
Finely chop the reserved zucchini flesh. Pat the hollowed rounds dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, juice of 1 lemon, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth and pourable. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Fill each zucchini round generously with the feta mixture, pressing lightly to compact. Arrange stuffed rounds on the prepared baking sheet.
Serve immediately while warm. These also work beautifully at room temperature as part of a mezze spread.
Nutri-Score
Good balance
A–E · lower is better · score 1
Calories
358
per serving
Protein
15g
Carbs
17g
Fat
28g
Sat. fat
11g
Fiber
7g
Sugar
6g
Sodium
1252mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Low impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
0.9
per serving
Water
0.7m³
Land
61Pt
Runoff
0.1g P
Feta cheese drives 67% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Safety & Storage
Allergen Warning
This recipe contains milk (feta cheese), eggs, and sesame (tahini). Clearly label these allergens when serving to guests.
Cooking Temperature
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) before baking. Ensure zucchini rounds reach an internal temperature where the filling appears set and golden.
Cross Contamination
Use separate cutting boards and utensils when handling raw egg for the filling. Avoid using the same spoon that touched raw ingredients for tasting the finished dish.
Storage
Refrigerate leftover stuffed zucchini within 2 hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before consuming.
High Risk Population
The raw egg mixed into the feta filling should be cooked thoroughly. This dish may not be suitable for pregnant women, young children, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals without modifying the recipe to use pasteurized eggs.
Handling
When scooping out zucchini centers, work carefully to maintain a 1/4-inch thick shell to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
Tahini can separate in storage. If the drizzle becomes too thick, thin with additional water or lemon juice to reach a pourable consistency.
Pro Tips
Technique
When hollowing your zucchini rounds, work gently — you want that 1/4-inch shell intact so it can hold the filling without collapsing. A melon baller or small spoon works beautifully for this.
Substitution
If fresh flat-leaf parsley isn't available, you could use fresh mint or a combination of both, but please — never reach for dried herbs here. The freshness is what makes these rounds sing.
Make Ahead
You can prepare the feta filling and tahini drizzle up to a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then fill and bake when you're ready to serve. The tahini drizzle may thicken overnight — simply whisk in a touch more water to reach the right consistency.
From the chef
In Beirut, no mezze spread is complete without something warm and savory to balance the cool, creamy dips. These zucchini rounds carry that spirit — the feta and parsley filling honors our tradition of stuffed vegetables, while the lemon-tahini drizzle ties everything together with that nutty, bright finish I simply cannot resist. This is mezze as it should be: layered, generous, and full of life.
Source: generated · June 13, 2026