Creamy Yellow Squash and Rice Gratin
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Yellow Squash and Rice Gratin, a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the freshness of summer squash, the creaminess of cheese, and the heartiness of rice. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering, this gratin balances creamy textures with seasonal flavors, making it a must-try recipe. Enjoy the layers of taste as the golden crust of breadcrumbs melds beautifully with the delicious filling, showcasing fresh herbs and savory undertones. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
long grain rice or arborio rice
1/2 cup (rinsed)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
salt
to taste
medium onion
1 (minced)
summer squash
1 lb (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
large eggs
2 (beaten)
gruyere or parmesan cheese
2 ounces (grated)
chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup
fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a 1-quart lidded saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
2
Stir in the rice and add 1/4 teaspoon salt. When the water resumes boiling, stir the rice once, reduce heat to low, and cover tightly. Allow it to simmer for 15 minutes until the water has evaporated.
3
Turn off the heat, uncover, and drape a clean dish towel over the rice before replacing the lid. Let it sit undisturbed for 10 minutes.
4
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly brush a 2-quart baking dish or gratin dish with olive oil.
5
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender and translucent.
6
Stir in the diced summer squash, minced garlic, salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Continue to sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until the squash is tender but retains its shape. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
7
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then stir in the cooled squash mixture. Add the cheese, chopped parsley, cooked rice, and thyme, mixing well. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
8
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the dry breadcrumbs evenly over the top and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is firm and golden brown.
10
Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This dish is delicious warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Yellow Squash and Rice Gratin?
It is a comforting baked dish featuring summer squash, rice, cheese, and fresh herbs topped with a golden breadcrumb crust.
What type of rice should I use for this gratin?
You can use either long grain rice or arborio rice for this recipe.
How much rice is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of rice, which should be rinsed before cooking.
What is the correct rice-to-water ratio for the initial step?
Use 1 cup of water for the 1/2 cup of rice.
How long should the rice simmer?
The rice should simmer for 15 minutes until all the water has evaporated.
Why do I need to put a towel over the rice after cooking?
Draping a clean dish towel over the rice for 10 minutes helps absorb excess steam and ensures a better texture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 2-quart baking dish or gratin dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly brush the baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
How much olive oil is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, divided between sautéing and drizzling on top.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the minced onion for about 5 minutes until tender and translucent.
How should the summer squash be prepared?
You should use 1 pound of summer squash, diced into small pieces.
How long does the squash need to cook in the skillet?
Sauté the squash for 8-10 minutes until tender but still holding its shape.
What flavorings are added to the squash while sautéing?
Add minced garlic, salt, and fresh ground black pepper to the squash.
How many eggs are used in the mixture?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs, which should be beaten before adding other ingredients.
What kind of cheese works best for this gratin?
You can use either Gruyere or Parmesan cheese, about 2 ounces grated.
What fresh herbs are included in the filling?
The dish uses 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What provides the crunchy topping for the gratin?
A layer of 2 tablespoons of dry breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil creates the golden crust.
How long does the gratin take to bake?
Bake the gratin for approximately 45 minutes.
How can I tell when the gratin is done?
The dish is ready when the top is firm and has turned a golden brown color.
Should the dish be served immediately after baking?
It is best to let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes to allow the textures to set before serving.
Can this gratin be served cold?
This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What are some of the tags associated with this recipe?
Some tags include gratin, vegetarian, rice dish, summer squash, and comfort food.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is it necessary to cool the squash before adding it to the eggs?
Yes, you should allow the squash mixture to cool slightly so it doesn't scramble the eggs immediately upon contact.
What provides the 'creamy' element in this gratin?
The combination of beaten eggs and melted cheese creates a creamy, custard-like binding for the rice and squash.
How much salt is added to the rice water?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the rice water.
Can this be a main course?
Yes, because it contains rice, eggs, and cheese, it is hearty enough to be served as a vegetarian main dish or a substantial side.