How to Make French Zucchini and Tomato Gratin
French Zucchini and Tomato Gratin is a delightful dish that perfectly blends seasonal vegetables with cheese and herbs. This easy-to-follow recipe will not only impress your family and friends but also make a healthy addition to your meal rotation. Read on to discover how to create this classic French dish at home.
Ingredients
To make a flavorful French Zucchini and Tomato Gratin, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 3 medium tomatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cups grated cheese (such as Gruyère or mozzarella)
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing
- Bread crumbs for topping (optional)
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a mouth-watering French Zucchini and Tomato Gratin:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your gratin cooks evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and slice the zucchinis into thin rounds. You can choose to peel them or leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients. Next, core and slice the tomatoes into similar thickness. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Layer the Gratin
Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Start layering the vegetables in a circular pattern. Place a layer of zucchini followed by a layer of tomatoes. Sprinkle some of the sautéed onion and garlic, then season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Continue this process until all the vegetables are used, finishing with a top layer of tomatoes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Cream
Pour the heavy cream or milk evenly over the layered vegetables. Then, sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the top. If you like a crunch, add breadcrumbs as a topping.
Step 6: Bake the Gratin
Pace the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The vegetables should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 7: Let It Cool
Once cooked, remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 8: Serve
Serve your delicious French Zucchini and Tomato Gratin warm as a stand-alone dish, or pair it with grilled meats or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the Mediterranean flavors and the comfort of this traditional recipe!
Conclusion
This French Zucchini and Tomato Gratin is not only simple to make but is packed with flavor. It’s a great way to utilize fresh summer vegetables while creating a dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this gratin is a perfect choice!