Healthy Zucchini Pizza Boats Kids Love in Bali, Indonesia
Discover a fun, healthy, and delicious recipe for zucchini pizza boats that your kids will love while in Bali.
Infused with local Balinese flavors and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for families living or vacationing in Indonesia’s tropical paradise.
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What Are Zucchini Pizza Boats?
Zucchini pizza boats are a creative twist on traditional pizza. Hollowed-out zucchini halves serve as the base, loaded with flavorful toppings like tomato sauce, cheese, and fresh ingredients.
This fun, kid-friendly dish combines nutrition with indulgence, making it a hit for families in Bali.
Balinese Inspiration for Zucchini Pizza Boats
This recipe takes inspiration from Bali’s rich culinary traditions. By incorporating local spices like galangal, turmeric, and kecap manis, these zucchini pizza boats capture the essence of tropical flavors while remaining familiar to young palates.
Coconut oil and fresh herbs further elevate the dish, blending health and taste seamlessly.
Ingredients for Bali-Inspired Zucchini Pizza Boats (Serves 4 Kids)
Zucchini Boats:
4 medium zucchinis
1 tbsp coconut oil
Sauce:
1 cup tomato passata
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp galangal powder
Salt to taste
Toppings:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup finely sliced shallots
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Optional Protein:
100g grilled chicken or tempeh, diced
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Zucchini Pizza Boats
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and pat them dry.
Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise, ensuring even halves.
Use a spoon to gently scoop out the seeds and pulp, creating hollow “boats.” Be careful not to pierce the skin.
Lightly brush the zucchini halves with coconut oil to enhance flavor and prevent drying during baking. Place them on a baking tray lined with banana leaves for an authentic touch.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Heat a small pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of coconut oil.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the tomato passata, kecap manis, turmeric powder, and galangal powder.
Add a pinch of salt and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a rich aroma.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Boats
Spoon the prepared sauce generously into the hollowed zucchinis.
Add diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and shallots, layering them for a colorful presentation.
If using protein, evenly distribute the grilled chicken or tempeh across the zucchinis.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings, ensuring full coverage for a gooey finish.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza Boats
Place the tray in the preheated oven on the middle rack.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
Check doneness by piercing the zucchini skin gently with a fork; it should be soft but still hold its shape.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the tray from the oven and let the pizza boats cool slightly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of kecap manis for added flavor.
Serve warm on woven bamboo trays or plates lined with banana leaves for a true Balinese dining experience.
Tips for Perfect Bali-Style Presentation
Use Local Serving Elements: Serve the pizza boats on banana leaves placed over bamboo or wooden trays. This adds an authentic Balinese aesthetic to your presentation.
Garnish Creatively: Top with edible flowers such as marigolds or frangipani for a vibrant and tropical appearance.
Incorporate Local Textures: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or fried shallots over the boats for added crunch and a nod to Balinese cuisine.
Elevate with Sambal: Offer a small side dish of sambal matah (raw chili relish) for a mild, tangy heat that complements the dish.
Layered Plating: Stack the zucchini boats slightly on top of one another for an elegant, tiered display. Add lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty garnish.
Nutrition Facts for Zucchini Pizza Boats (Per Serving)
Calories: 200 kcal
Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 350mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 10g
Calories
200 kcal
Fat
12g
Cholestrol
25mg
Sodium
350mg
Carbohydrates
12g
Protein
10g
FAQs about Zucchini Pizza Boats in Bali
Q1: Are banana leaves necessary for this recipe?
A: While not essential, banana leaves enhance the presentation and add a subtle, earthy aroma, making the dish more authentic to Balinese dining traditions.
Q2: Can I use Balinese sambal in this recipe?
A: Yes! Sambal matah or sambal bajak can be served on the side for those who enjoy spicy flavors, adding a unique Balinese twist.
Q3: Are there local markets in Bali where I can buy fresh zucchini?
A: Absolutely. Fresh zucchinis are available at supermarkets like Pepito and Bali Buda or traditional markets like Ubud Market.
Q4: What makes this dish kid-friendly in Bali?
A: The mild flavors, customizable toppings, and fun presentation appeal to kids while incorporating Balinese ingredients for a tropical touch.