• Staff Favorite

Ingredients

1. 12 firm, very fresh medium zucchini (about 5 1/2 pounds total)
2. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4. 2 large shallots, finely chopped
5. 1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
6. 1 tablespoon thyme leaves
7. 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano- Reggiano cheese
8. Salt and freshly ground pepper
9. 2 eggs, lightly beaten

PECORINO SAUCE

1. 2 hard-cooked large egg yolks
2. 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3. 2 1/2 cups finely grated young sheep's milk cheese, preferably Pecorino Toscano (3/4 pound)
4. 1/3 cup water, plus more if needed
5. Salt

Directions

1. Cut 8 of the zucchini crosswise into 2-inch pieces. Using a melon baller, hollow out each piece, leaving a 1/4-inch shell. Mince the scooped-out flesh along with the 4 remaining zucchini.
2. In a large, deep skillet, melt the butter in the oil. Add the shallots and cook over moderate heat until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the chopped zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, about 25 minutes. Stir in the parsley and thyme.
3. Transfer the zucchini to a food processor and puree. Scrape the puree into a bowl, stir in the Parmigiano-Reggiano and season with salt and pepper. Let the filling cool, then stir in the eggs.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°. Generously butter a large baking dish. Set the zucchini cups in the baking dish, hollowed side up. Spoon the filling into the cups, mounding it slightly. Bake the stuffed zucchini for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
5. MAKE THE PECORINO SAUCE: In a food processor, pulse the egg yolks with the olive oil until a smooth paste forms. Add the pecorino and the 1/3 cup of water and process until the sauce is smooth and has the consistency of heavy cream; add a little more water if the sauce seems thick. Season with salt.
6. Spoon the room-temperature pecorino sauce onto serving plates and arrange about 3 warm zucchini cups on top. Serve at once.

Make Ahead

The zucchini cups can be prepared through Step 4 and refrigerated overnight. Reheat in a 325° oven before serving with the pecorino sauce.