Description
A light and comforting summer gratin made with tomatoes and zucchini, fresh cheese, heavy cream, and Mediterranean herbs. Perfect for family meals and using seasonal vegetables.
Ingredients
Zucchini, 500g (very fresh, not too big)
Tomatoes, 500g (well-ripened)
Fresh cheese (type St Môret, Philadelphia), 100g (to bind and add creaminess)
Heavy cream, 100ml (full fat preferably)
Grated cheese (Emmental, Gruyère, or Comté), 100g (for gratin)
Garlic, 1 clove (optional, to flavor)
Olive oil, a drizzle (good quality for a Provençal touch)
Herbes de Provence, 1 teaspoon (for a Mediterranean touch)
Salt, to taste (important for flavor)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (for some pizazz)
Instructions
Wash zucchini and tomatoes carefully. Cut zucchini ends and slice into 3mm rounds. If zucchini is bitter, let it drain in salt for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry. Prepare tomatoes by removing stems and slicing.
In a bowl, mix zucchini, tomatoes, fresh cheese, heavy cream, Herbes de Provence, salt, pepper, and garlic (if using) if zucchini was salted, ensure it’s rinsed thoroughly.
Add an egg (optional) to help bind the mixture, then stir well.
Grease an oven dish with olive oil, layer the zucchini and tomatoes, and press them down gently. Sprinkle with garlic (if using), spread the cheese mixture evenly, and top with grated cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Serve warm with a side of bread or salad.
Notes
If zucchini is bitter, the salt-step is crucial before baking. Garlic can be replaced with a few drops of garlic oil for a milder flavor. Grated cheese can be substituted with Parmesan or vegan cheese for a non-traditional variation. Best fresh but can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Accompagnements & légumes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg