Gratinated zucchini

Gratinated Zucchini: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn't love a dish that combines the flavors of fresh vegetables with cheese and spices? Gratinated zucchini is an excellent choice for a light dinner or a savory appetizer. This recipe is not only simple but also offers an explosion of flavors, making it perfect for impressing family and friends.

A Brief History of the Recipe

The dish of gratinated zucchini has its roots in traditional cuisine, where seasonal vegetables were maximized. Gratinating is a culinary technique that originated in France but has been adopted by many cultures, becoming a popular way to add a crunchy texture and intensified flavor to vegetable dishes. This gratinated zucchini recipe is adaptable, allowing for customization with local or seasonal ingredients.

Necessary Ingredients

- 1 medium zucchini (approximately 300-400 g)
- 3 slices of ham salami (or another preferred type of salami)
- 150-200 g sheep cheese (or feta cheese)
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 80-100 g cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1 large tomato
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Dried basil (or fresh)
- Fresh dill (finely chopped)

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Washing and slicing the zucchini: Start by washing the zucchini well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Use a sharp knife to cut it into slices about 1 cm thick. These will bake evenly and allow the flavors to penetrate well.

2. Salting the zucchini: Sprinkle salt on each slice of zucchini and set them aside for 10-15 minutes. This step will help remove excess water from the zucchini, preventing the dish from becoming too wet.

3. Preparing the other ingredients: Cut the salami slices in half and cube the sheep cheese. Grate the cheese using a fine grater. Wash the tomato and cut it into 6 slices.

Assembling the Dish

1. Preparing the baking dish: Grease a loaf pan with butter and line it with parchment paper. This step is essential to prevent the dish from sticking.

2. The layer of zucchini: Place a first layer of zucchini in the pan, dabbed with a kitchen towel to absorb excess water.

3. Adding the cheeses: Evenly sprinkle the cubes of sheep cheese and the slices of salami. Add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan on top.

4. Continuing the layers: Continue with another layer of zucchini and the remaining sheep cheese.

5. Preparing the egg mixture: In a bowl, beat the eggs with a little pepper and chopped fresh dill. Pour this mixture evenly over the zucchini.

6. Finalizing the dish: On top, sprinkle the grated cheese mixed with the remaining Parmesan. Place the tomato slices on top and sprinkle dried basil for an extra touch of flavor.

Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).

2. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a golden, appetizing crust forms on top.

3. Cooling: Once ready, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Use two kitchen towels to detach the dish from the parchment paper, allowing excess moisture to be absorbed.

Serving

Gratinated zucchini is delicious and can be served warm or at room temperature. It can be accompanied by a fresh green vegetable salad and a simple vinaigrette, or enjoyed alongside a serving of rice or mashed potatoes. Additionally, a bottle of fruity white wine will perfectly complement the meal.

Practical Tips

- Variations: You can add other vegetables such as eggplant or bell peppers for a different taste. You can also try using mozzarella cheese for a creamier texture.
- Flavoring: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano to add an extra note of flavor.
- Ease of preparation: This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, as it can be made in less than an hour.

Nutritional Information

This gratinated zucchini recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Zucchini is an excellent source of vitamins, especially vitamin C and potassium, while the cheeses provide calcium and protein. Each serving has approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the type of cheese used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or cheddar, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the salami and use more vegetables.

3. Can it be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare everything in advance and put it in the oven just before serving.

Enjoy this simple yet flavorful recipe and savor a meal that combines tradition with creativity! Bon appétit!