Zucchini and tomato gratin

Zucchini and Tomato Gratin: A Light and Flavorful Delicacy

Zucchini, with its fine texture and delicate taste, is a versatile vegetable that easily finds its place in our dishes. This zucchini and tomato gratin recipe is not only easy to prepare but also an excellent choice for a healthy and tasty lunch. Combining fresh ingredients and creamy dairy, this dish is sure to bring a smile to anyone who enjoys it.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 3 medium zucchinis
- 1 medium tomato
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 100 g grated sheep cheese
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 150 g grated cheese
- 3 eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butter and breadcrumbs, for greasing the dish

A Brief History

Gratin is a traditional dish, beloved in many culinary cultures, with deep roots in gastronomy. It consists of layering ingredients, often covered with a sauce or cheese, and baked until golden and crispy. It is an excellent method to transform simple vegetables into delicious, flavorful dishes.

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Wash and slice the zucchinis: Remove the ends of the zucchinis and slice them thinly. Ideally, the slices should be about 5 mm thick for even baking.
2. Salt the zucchinis: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the zucchini slices and let them drain for 10 minutes. This process will help remove excess water and enhance the flavor.
3. Prepare the tomato: Slice the tomato, ensuring the slices are thick enough not to disintegrate during baking.
4. Chop the dill: Wash and finely chop the fresh dill. Its fresh aroma will add a touch of liveliness to the dish.
5. Mix the cheeses: In a bowl, combine the grated sheep cheese, crumbled cottage cheese, and chopped dill. These cheeses will provide a creamy and flavorful taste.

Preparing the Gratin

1. Beat the eggs: In another bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper until homogeneous. Add the grated cheese and mix well to combine the ingredients.
2. Grease the dish: Choose a heat-resistant dish and grease it with butter, then sprinkle breadcrumbs over the entire surface. This will prevent sticking and create a crispy crust.
3. Layer the ingredients:
- Start with a layer of zucchini slices, followed by a layer of the cheese and dill mixture.
- Continue alternating layers of zucchini and cheese, ensuring the last layer is zucchini.
- Arrange the tomato slices around the edges, which will add an attractive appearance and fresh taste.
4. Add the egg mixture: Pour the egg mixture with cheese evenly over the entire composition in the dish, ensuring each layer is well soaked.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 180 degrees Celsius before placing the gratin inside.
2. Bake the dish: Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes or until the gratin is golden and firm to the touch.
3. Cooling: After baking, let the gratin cool for 10 minutes before cutting it. This will help set the layers and make portioning easier.

Serving

The zucchini and tomato gratin can be served plain, but for an extra flavor boost, I recommend adding a spoonful of fresh sour cream on top or a side salad of tomatoes and red onion. This combination will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish, bringing a pleasant contrast of textures and tastes.

Tips and Variations

- Add other vegetables: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as eggplant or bell peppers, to diversify the dish.
- Spices: Try adding spices like oregano or basil for a Mediterranean flavor.
- Cheeses: Replace the sheep cheese with feta or goat cheese for a different and more intense taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Zucchini is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, being rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and antioxidants. It is low in calories, making it ideal for weight-loss diets. The cheeses add protein and calcium, while the dill contributes anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen zucchini?: While it's better to use fresh zucchini, you can use frozen zucchini, but make sure to drain them well before using.
- Can it be prepared in advance?: Yes, you can assemble the gratin a few hours ahead and put it in the oven when you're ready to serve.
- How can I make the gratin creamier?: Adding Greek yogurt or sour cream to the egg mixture will make the gratin creamier.

Conclusion

This zucchini and tomato gratin recipe is not only easy to prepare but also extremely versatile, allowing it to be adapted to your tastes. Whether you choose to enjoy it as is or accompany it with a fresh salad, it is a perfect choice for a light and healthy lunch. Enjoy!