Jul 09 2026
Restaurants›Santorini Greek Taverna›Papoutsakia Recipe

Papoutsakia Recipe

Inspired by Santorini Greek Taverna
Time1h 15m
Serves2

Stuffed Zucchini with Beef & Bechamel Sauce (2pc).

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Ingredients

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For the Zucchini

For the Beef Filling

For the Bechamel Sauce

Method

Preparing the Zucchini

  1. 1

    Scoop out the Zucchini

    Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell. Set aside the flesh for the filling.

  2. 2

    Season and Roast

    Brush the zucchini shells with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes.

Making the Beef Filling

  1. 3

    Cook the Beef

    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned.

  2. 4

    Add Tomatoes

    Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, cinnamon, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.

Making the Bechamel Sauce

  1. 5

    Make the Roux

    In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.

  2. 6

    Add Milk

    Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg and salt. Remove from heat and stir in egg yolk.

Assembling the Dish

  1. 7

    Fill the Zucchini

    Fill each zucchini shell with the beef mixture and place in a baking dish.

  2. 8

    Top with Bechamel

    Pour the bechamel sauce over the stuffed zucchinis.

  3. 9

    Bake

    Bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

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