Supreme Zucchini Dish
A flavorful zucchini bake layered with tomatoes, cheese, and bread crumbs, ideal for a comforting vegetarian main or side dish with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and dice the zucchini.
- Boil the zucchini in salt water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Saute chopped onion and green pepper until tender.
- In the meantime, combine and mix together tomatoes, sugar, salt, oregano, and flour.
- Add this mixture to the onion and green pepper, and cook until thickened.
- Grease a casserole dish.
- Layer the cooked zucchini in the casserole.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the zucchini.
- Sprinkle grated sharp cheese over the tomatoes.
- Top with bread crumbs.
- Dot small pieces of butter on top of the bread crumbs.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes, covering with tinfoil for the first 20-25 minutes, then uncover for the remaining time.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the onion and green pepper. If you want a healthier option, substitute the butter with olive oil and use whole wheat bread crumbs. You can also replace zucchini with eggplant or bell peppers for variation. To enhance the dish, sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Supreme Zucchini Dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a hearty meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also complements a variety of Mediterranean recipes, making it a versatile addition to any table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil if it starts to brown too quickly. This dish also freezes well; just thaw and reheat in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Supreme Zucchini Dish contains roughly 839 calories, with 13g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (187% of the Daily Value), and calcium (147% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 589mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes for convenience. Just be sure to drain them slightly to avoid excess moisture in the dish. Use about 1-2 cans of diced tomatoes, and adjust the sugar and seasoning to taste since canned tomatoes can be sweeter.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions and green pepper. You can also sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper into the tomato mixture. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference to achieve the desired spiciness.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This Supreme Zucchini Dish is a great vegetarian option, packed with flavor and nutrition. You can enhance it further by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, making it a perfect choice for those following vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).