Petits Farcis

Ingredients for Petits Farcis

• 4 small new onions, with tops attached

• 4 small pattypan squashes

• 4 small tomatoes

• 4 small aubergines

• 4 peppers

• 4 small courgette

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil

• 230g (225 g) ground veal

• 230g (225 g) pork mince

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 1 slice white bread, crust removed, crumbled and soaked in 2 tablespoons milk

• 60ml (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves

• 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds

• 1/4 teaspoons finely chopped garlic

• 1/4 teaspoons dried chilli flakes

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil for drizzling

How to make Petits Farcis

1. Cut the top one-third off the onions, squashes, tomatoes, aubergines, and peppers, and set aside to use as caps. Cut the courgette in half lengthwise. With a melon baller or an espresso spoon, scoop out the inside of each vegetable the best you can. Leave the walls about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Set the vegetables aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 204°C (200°C). To make the stuffing, in a small frying pan, sweat the onion in the oil over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, or until translucent. Remove from the heat.

3. In a bowl, combine the veal, pork, cooked onion, egg, bread, Parmesan, thyme, fennel seeds, garlic, chilli flakes, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Mix together using your hands; it should have the texture of a raw meatball.

4. Divide the meat mixture among the vegetables, stuffing it carefully and deeply inside each one. Stand the vegetables, without their caps, in an oiled gratin dish or cake pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the meat is cooked but not coloured. Remove from the oven, top each vegetable with its cap, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the tops are getting crispy and the meat is sizzling.

5. Remove from the oven and drizzle olive oil on top. Serve lukewarm.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.