Mediterranean Zucchini and Tomato Gratin
This Mediterranean Zucchini and Tomato Gratin is a delightful baked dish that brings together the freshest flavors of summer. The tender zucchini mingles perfectly with the sweet, juicy tomatoes and slightly sweet onions, all enveloped in a cheesy, golden crust. This recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser, with rich layers of flavor that will have your family and guests asking for seconds - and of course, the recipe! Whether served as a side dish or a vegetarian main, it's a nourishing and satisfying choice that celebrates the bounty of the garden.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
3-4 (sliced into thin rounds)
Large white onion
1-2 (sliced into thin rings)
Olive oil
to taste (for sautéing and drizzling)
Large ripe tomatoes
2 (sliced into thin rounds)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (grated)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
While the onions are cooking, prepare the zucchini and tomatoes by slicing them into thin rounds.
4
In a large Pyrex dish, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of zucchini slices, ensuring they do not overlap.
5
Add a thin layer of the sautéed onions, followed by a layer of tomato slices.
6
Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of tomatoes and a generous amount of Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges, and the zucchini is tender.
8
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Mediterranean Zucchini and Tomato Gratin!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Zucchini and Tomato Gratin?
It is a baked vegetable dish featuring layers of zucchini, tomatoes, and onions topped with a golden Parmesan cheese crust.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it consists entirely of vegetables, cheese, and olive oil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C.
How long does the gratin need to bake?
The dish should bake for approximately 45 minutes until the top is golden and the zucchini is tender.
What type of zucchini should I use?
You can use any fresh green zucchini; the recipe requires 3 to 4 of them.
How should the zucchini and tomatoes be prepared?
Both the zucchini and the tomatoes should be sliced into thin rounds.
Do I need to cook the onions before layering?
Yes, the onions should be sautéed in olive oil until soft and translucent, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
What kind of cheese is used in this gratin?
The recipe calls for grated Parmesan cheese to create a cheesy crust.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Start with zucchini, then add onions, followed by tomatoes and a sprinkle of cheese and seasoning. Repeat until ingredients are used.
Should the zucchini slices overlap in the dish?
The instructions recommend starting with a layer of zucchini ensuring they do not overlap.
What type of baking dish is recommended?
A large Pyrex dish or any similar oven-safe baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
What are the primary seasonings?
The dish is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as either a vegetarian main dish or a healthy side dish.
How do I know when the gratin is finished cooking?
It is ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges, and the zucchini is tender.
What type of onion works best?
Large white onions are recommended for their slightly sweet flavor when sautéed.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, you would need to replace the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Is olive oil necessary for this recipe?
Yes, olive oil is used for sautéing the onions and adding flavor to the vegetable layers.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the flavors to set.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is considered a healthy side dish that celebrates fresh garden vegetables.
How many tomatoes do I need?
The recipe requires 2 large ripe tomatoes.
What is the preparation for the onions?
The onions should be sliced into thin rings before being sautéed.
Can I add other herbs to this dish?
While the recipe uses salt and pepper, adding fresh basil or oregano would complement the Mediterranean flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe contains no gluten-based ingredients naturally.
Can I use red onions instead of white?
Yes, red onions can be used, though they may slightly change the color and sweetness of the dish.
What category of food does this fall under?
It is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
How much Parmesan cheese should I use?
The amount is to taste, but it should be applied generously between layers and on top.
Is there a specific order for the top layer?
The final layer should be tomatoes topped with Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
What season is this dish best for?
It is perfect for summer when zucchini and tomatoes are in peak season.
Can I use a different vegetable besides zucchini?
While zucchini is the star, yellow summer squash can be a good substitute or addition.