Mediterranean Zucchini, Tomato & Olive Gratin
This vibrant Mediterranean-inspired gratin features layers of fresh summer vegetables, including tender zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and savory black olives. Drizzled with robust extra virgin olive oil and flavored with aromatic herbs, this dish promises to elevate any meal. Perfect as a delightful side dish, it also serves as a satisfying vegetarian entree that embodies the essence of summer with every bite. Top it off with a crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan topping for added texture, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
onions
2 medium (peeled & sliced)
extra virgin olive oil
4 ounces (divided)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
thyme
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
black olives
6 ounces (pitted & roughly chopped)
zucchini
3 medium (sliced)
basil
1 tablespoon (fresh, chopped)
tomatoes
6 medium (sliced)
roasted red peppers
2 (cut into wide strips)
breadcrumbs
4 ounces (fresh or dried)
Parmesan cheese
4 ounces (grated)
parsley
1 tablespoon (fresh, chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a skillet, heat 2 ounces of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften.
3
Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.
4
Remove the skillet from heat, allow the mixture to cool, and then fold in the chopped black olives.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the sliced zucchini with the remaining 2 ounces of olive oil and basil. Toss to coat evenly.
6
In an 8 x 8-inch casserole dish, layer the onion and olive mixture evenly at the bottom.
7
Alternately layer the zucchini and the sliced tomatoes along with the roasted red pepper strips on top of the onion mixture. Season each layer with salt and pepper.
8
In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the layered vegetables.
9
Bake the gratin in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Zucchini, Tomato & Olive Gratin?
It is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring layers of zucchini, tomatoes, and olives, topped with a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb crust.
What are the main vegetables used in this recipe?
The primary vegetables include zucchini, medium tomatoes, onions, and roasted red peppers.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and serves as a satisfying meat-free entree or side dish.
Is this gratin gluten-free?
The recipe contains breadcrumbs; to make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free breadcrumb substitute.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the gratin take to bake?
The gratin needs to bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What type of olives are recommended?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of pitted and roughly chopped black olives.
How do I prepare the onions for this dish?
The onions should be peeled, sliced, and sautéed until they are soft and caramelized.
What ingredients are in the crunchy topping?
The topping is made by combining breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped parsley.
Can I add some heat to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes an optional 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes to add a subtle kick.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8 x 8-inch casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How should the zucchini be prepped?
The 3 medium zucchini should be sliced and then tossed with olive oil and fresh basil before layering.
What herb is used to season the zucchini?
One tablespoon of fresh, chopped basil is used to season the zucchini layers.
How do I layer the vegetables in the dish?
Start with the onion and olive mixture at the bottom, then alternately layer zucchini, tomatoes, and roasted red pepper strips.
Do I need to season every layer?
Yes, the instructions suggest seasoning each layer of vegetables with salt and pepper.
What kind of cheese is best for this gratin?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much olive oil is required in total?
A total of 4 ounces of extra virgin olive oil is used, divided between the onion sauté and the zucchini coating.
Is the thyme used in this recipe fresh or dried?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh, chopped parsley for the topping.
What is the role of the roasted red peppers?
They are cut into wide strips and layered with the other vegetables to add a smoky sweetness to the gratin.
Should the garlic be minced or sliced?
The 2 cloves of garlic should be minced before being added to the onion mixture.
How do I know when the vegetables are cooked properly?
The vegetables should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the breadcrumb topping should be golden brown.
Is this a good summer dish?
Absolutely, it is described as embodying the essence of summer with its use of fresh zucchini and tomatoes.
What should I do with the olives before adding them?
The black olives should be pitted and roughly chopped, then folded into the cooled onion mixture.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
Yes, it is perfect as a delightful side dish or as a standalone vegetarian entree.
Do I need to cook the tomatoes before layering?
No, the tomatoes should be sliced and layered raw; they will cook through during the 25-minute baking process.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy due to the high volume of fresh vegetables and the use of olive oil.
Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Yes, the recipe allows for 4 ounces of either fresh or dried breadcrumbs.
What is the preparation method for the onions?
Sauté the sliced onions for about 5 minutes to soften, then another 5 minutes with seasonings until golden brown.