Prepare to be amazed by this Cheesy Zucchini Gratin—a dish so flavorful and satisfying that it rivals even the heartiest meat dishes! With layers of tender zucchini, savory filling, and gooey cheese, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. And to elevate this culinary masterpiece, we’ll top it off with a creamy garlic sauce that adds a touch of indulgence to every mouthful. Whether you’re a meat lover or a veggie enthusiast, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into creating this zucchini gratin that truly tastes better than meat!
Ingredients: For the zucchini:
- 3 zucchini
- 5 grams of salt
- 5 grams of black pepper
- 5 grams of red pepper
- Vegetable fat (for greasing)
- Breadcrumbs (for coating)
For the filling:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 3 eggs
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Oregano to taste
- 40 grams of breadcrumbs
- 50 grams of hard cheese, grated
- 100 grams of mozzarella cheese, grated
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- Garlic, minced
- Dill, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking dish with vegetable fat and set aside.
- Wash the zucchini and slice them into thin rounds. Place the zucchini slices in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 15 minutes to release excess moisture. After 15 minutes, pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, and red pepper. Season the zucchini slices with this mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Arrange a layer of seasoned zucchini slices in the bottom of the greased baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
- In a mixing bowl, prepare the filling. Combine the finely chopped onion, grated carrot, eggs, salt, black pepper, oregano, breadcrumbs, grated hard cheese, and grated mozzarella cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Spread half of the filling mixture evenly over the layer of zucchini slices in the baking dish.
- Arrange another layer of seasoned zucchini slices over the filling mixture, followed by the remaining filling mixture.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the gratin for a crispy finish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the filling is cooked through.
- While the gratin is baking, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and chopped dill. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Once the gratin is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the Cheesy Zucchini Gratin hot, accompanied by the creamy garlic sauce for drizzling.
- Enjoy the irresistible flavors of this gratin that truly tastes better than meat, and savor every delicious bite!
Conclusion: With its layers of tender zucchini, flavorful filling, and creamy garlic sauce, this Cheesy Zucchini Gratin is a true culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, it’s guaranteed to impress with its rich flavors and comforting textures. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s both hearty and wholesome!