When I first stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Marrow recipe, I was looking for a way to use up some leftover vegetables from the fridge. I’d seen marrow in the grocery store but never really thought about it much. It always seemed like a vegetable too big to deal with. But this recipe completely changed my perspective.
What intrigued me about Jamie’s approach is how he transforms a humble vegetable like marrow into something comforting and full of flavor. The stuffing, with its savory mix of herbs, spices, and other ingredients, makes the marrow feel hearty, almost like a main dish. It felt like a discovery I had to share.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the ingredients, preparation, and tips for making this delicious recipe. Let’s get into it!
Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Marrow Recipe
Jamie’s Stuffed Marrow is simple yet satisfying. The marrow, a vegetable related to zucchini, serves as the perfect vessel for a rich filling that can be customized based on what you have in your kitchen.
One of my favorite things about the recipe is how adaptable it is. I first made this dish as a way to incorporate more vegetables into a family dinner. I was blown away by how even my picky eaters loved it. The marrow’s mild flavor is a fantastic base for whatever you stuff it with.
Jamie’s recipe typically uses minced meat, rice, and a combination of spices, but what I love is how you can make it your own. Whether you’re a vegetarian or want to use up leftover roast chicken, this recipe gives you the freedom to play around.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a breakdown of the core ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Marrow:
- Marrow: The star of the dish! It’s a large, mild-flavored squash that’s similar to zucchini but with a thicker skin.
- Minced Meat: Ground beef, lamb, or turkey work great. If you’re vegetarian, swap this out with lentils or mushrooms.
- Rice: Adds texture and substance. You can use white or brown rice.
- Onion: This adds a lovely sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Garlic: A must-have for flavor.
- Herbs and Spices: Think fresh parsley, thyme, oregano, and a bit of cumin or paprika for warmth.
- Tomato Paste: For richness and a bit of acidity to balance the flavors.
- Cheese: Grated cheese on top, like Parmesan or cheddar, gives a crispy, golden finish.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and drizzling over the marrow before roasting.
I remember the first time I made this, I accidentally ran out of cheese, so I topped it with some crumbled feta I had lying around. It was a happy accident that worked perfectly. You can easily tweak the ingredients to fit what you’ve got on hand.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Marrow
Making Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Marrow is surprisingly easy. The steps are straightforward, but the flavor you get is impressive.
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Prep The Marrow
- Cut the marrow in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds using a spoon. This creates the ’boat’ you’ll stuff with the filling.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
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Make The Filling
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced meat. Brown it, breaking it up into small bits. Add tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Toss in the rice, herbs, and any additional spices you want. Stir to combine.
- Add a little water or broth and cook until the rice is tender, about 10 minutes.
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Stuff The Marrow
- Spoon the filling into the marrow halves, pressing it down gently to pack it in.
- Top with grated cheese (or any substitute you prefer).
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Roast
- Place the stuffed marrow halves on a baking tray. Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the marrow is tender and the cheese is golden brown.
I love how this dish smells while it’s cooking-there’s something magical about the combination of herbs and meat roasting together.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
The marrow itself is packed with water, which helps keep the dish moist during baking. It’s also low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy base for the stuffing. The stuffing is a combination of protein from the meat (or lentils) and carbohydrates from the rice, which balances out the meal nutritionally.
The key to making this dish sing is the Maillard reaction. As the minced meat browns, it develops rich flavors. Combine that with the roasted marrow, and you’ve got a winning dish.
One surprising element is the texture contrast. The marrow’s flesh becomes tender while maintaining a slight firmness, while the filling is warm and hearty. The melted cheese on top brings a creamy, crispy element that ties everything together.
Expert Tips
- Marrow Prep: If the marrow feels a bit tough, you can peel the skin or cut off thicker parts before stuffing. A thinner layer ensures the marrow softens easily while cooking.
- Cook the Rice First: If you’re using brown rice, it can take longer to cook. Pre-cook it before adding it to the filling to avoid undercooked rice.
- Roasting Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the marrow while it roasts. You want it tender but not mushy.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs work best here, but dried ones can be used if that’s all you have. Just remember that dried herbs are stronger, so use less.
- Customize the Stuffing: Try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted peppers to the filling for extra flavor.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Vegan Version: Replace the meat with lentils, mushrooms, or quinoa for a plant-based alternative. You can also use vegan cheese or skip it altogether.
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or diced fresh chilies to the filling for a little heat.
- Italian Twist: Use Italian sausage, basil, and mozzarella instead of the ground meat and herbs.
- Leftover Roast Chicken: Got leftover roast chicken? Shred it up and mix it with the rice and spices for a hearty stuffing that’s both comforting and frugal.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Marrow is one of those dishes that feels like home. It’s hearty and wholesome but also allows for creativity. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or throw in a few extra ingredients, it’s hard to go wrong with this one.
I love how easy it is to prep and how little hands-on time it requires. Plus, the fact that you can make it with whatever leftovers or pantry staples you have on hand makes it a go-to for me on busy weeknights.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Marrow Recipe?
You’ll need marrows, olive oil, onion, garlic, sausage meat, breadcrumbs, herbs, and a bit of cheese for topping.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Marrow?
It usually takes about 40-50 minutes, depending on how thick your marrow is and how crispy you like the top.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Marrow Ahead Of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing and stuff the marrow a day before, then just bake it when you’re ready.