Healthy Vegan - vegan Stuffed Fantail Courgettes

I've mentioned before that I am looking for ways to enjoy my homegrown yellow and green courgettes aka zucchini.  

I stumbled upon a meat version of this recipe and of course decided to adapt it for my vegetarian diet, by replacing it with meatfree soy mince protein which makes the recipe accidentally vegan, which seems to be the case with most of my recipes unless of course you decide to scatter over some cheese, though a vegan alternative would work well here too. 

I served the stuffed Fantail Courgettes with some couscous, but you can also serve it with rice or just eat it as it is, but I feel it is more of an accompaniment than a while meal. 

I think its quite an attractive dish too, one that would be appreciated at dinner parties or when you have family or friends over, but D and me, we are posh folk (just kidding) and only the best for us. 

I am sharing this courgette recipe with The Veggie Indian; and  Healthy Vegan Fridays hosted by Rock My Vegan Socks and V Nutrition.
Stuffed Fantail Courgettes
Serves 5 as an accompaniment
Ingredients
2 medium onions
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 medium carrots, peeled and quartered
1 teaspoon oregano
2 teaspoons smoked paprika or to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 x 400grams tinned tomatoes, crushed
400grams  meat tree soy mince protein

5 courgettes, cut of the ends, and slice lengthways 2 or 3 times, ensuring it remains in tact as you want to fan them out.
Optional cheddar cheese or vegan alternative, grated
Methodheat oil in a wide pan, saute the onion and garlic until beginning to soften, then stir in the carrots and garlic and cook on medium heat until beginning to soften, stir in the herbs and spices, tomato puree and seasoning, cook for a few minutes then stir in the tinned tomatoes, chopped.
Cook for a few minutes, before stirring in the soy mince and seasoning.  
Allow to cook slowly and swell
Prepare the courgettes.
Place the courgettes carefully upright  into an ovenproof dish. 
Carefully with a spoon spoon in the paprika soy mince between the layers.
Drizzle with additional olive oil and bake for 30 minutes,

In the last 5 minutes, scatter over optional dairy or vegan cheese.  Return to oven until melted and golden. Serve immediately.  Adapted from this recipe of Stuffed Courgettes. .