Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Leave the zucchini whole, and cook for 10 minutes or until tender but still firm. Remove from the water, and allow to cool until it’s easy to handle.
3 medium zucchini
Meanwhile in a small skillet over low heat, melt the butter and saute the onions until softened.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, ¼ cup finely diced white onions
In a large bowl, combine the sauteed onions, ham, cottage cheese, rice, egg, parsley, salt if using, and basil.
1 cup cooked and diced ham, ¾ cup small curd cottage cheese, ⅔ cup cooked rice, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon dried basil
Preheat the oven to 350°F, and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil.
Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, and carefully scoop out the pulp making sure not to break through the outer skin.
Fill the zucchini “boats” with the ham mixture and place into the prepared pan, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
Just before the time is up, cut each piece of cheese into 8 strips.
3 slices American cheese
After 25 minutes, remove the pan from the oven, uncover, and lay 4 strips of cheese onto each zucchini boat. Bake for an additional 5 minutes.