Gratinated vegetables

Gratinated Vegetables – a Delicious and Healthy Recipe

In search of a dish that brings color and flavor to your table, gratinated vegetables are the perfect choice! This dish is not only an explosion of flavors but also a healthy option, packed with nutrients. The origins of the gratinated vegetable recipe are lost in history, but it is clear that gratinating vegetables has become a popular method to intensify their flavors and transform them into a culinary delight.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 400 g potatoes
- 3 medium tomatoes
- 1 medium zucchini
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Potato seasoning (you can use a mix of garlic powder, sweet paprika, and oregano)
- Hot chili (optional, for a touch of spice)
- Thyme (fresh or dried)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil

Preparing the gratinated vegetables – Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling the potatoes and slicing them thinly, about 5 mm thick. This ensures even and quick cooking. The zucchini should also be sliced to the same thickness. The tomatoes will be sliced, making sure they are ripe enough to add juiciness to the dish.

Step 2: Boiling the vegetables
In a large pot, add water and a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then add the potato and zucchini slices. Boil the vegetables for 10 minutes, just enough to become slightly soft but not lose their shape. This step will help achieve a perfect texture in the end.

Step 3: Assembling
In a baking dish, start layering the vegetables. Alternate the slices of potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes. It is important to arrange them evenly to ensure even baking.

Step 4: Seasoning
Sprinkle salt, pepper, potato seasoning, hot chili (if you like it spicy), and thyme over the vegetables in the dish. These spices will add extra flavor to the dish. Drizzle with olive oil to give them a rich taste and a crispy texture.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish with vegetables in the oven and let them bake for 30-40 minutes, or until they become golden and browned. If you want an even crispier crust, you can activate the grill function in the last 5 minutes.

Step 6: Serving
Once the vegetables are browned, take the dish out of the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a vibrant look. These gratinated vegetables can be served as a side dish alongside a juicy steak or enjoyed on their own with a fresh salad.

Useful tips:

1. Choosing vegetables: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as eggplant or carrots, to diversify the taste and texture of the dish.
2. Vegan option: Replace olive oil with coconut oil for an exotic taste or add vegan cheese for a creamy note.
3. Preparing in advance: You can prepare the vegetables the night before, and the next day, just put them directly in the oven.
4. Serving: These gratinated vegetables pair wonderfully with a yogurt sauce or tzatziki for a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional benefits:

This gratinated vegetable recipe is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, zucchini is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. This dish is ideal for a balanced diet, with a moderate calorie content of about 150-200 calories per serving, depending on the oil used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient choice. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

2. How can I modify the recipe to make it spicier?
Add more hot chili or even a bit of fresh chili pepper sliced.

3. What drinks pair well with gratinated vegetables?
A dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade are excellent choices to accompany this dish.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to try this gratinated vegetable recipe and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones. Every bite will be an explosion of flavors, and your dish will surely become a favorite! Enjoy your meal!