Zucchini And Tomato Au Gratin
A comforting zucchini and tomato au gratin featuring tender vegetables topped with Parmesan cheese, perfect for a light yet flavorful vegetarian main or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use 1/2 teaspoon oil to prepare a 2-quart casserole. Cut tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat remaining oil in a skillet.
- Add onion slices and cook until limp.
- Add zucchini slices, cover, and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mix carefully to combine.
- Turn the mixture into the oiled dish.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes until browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like basil or oregano. If you're short on time, pre-sliced zucchini can save you prep work. You can also substitute the Parmesan with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different twist. To enhance the dish, mix in cooked quinoa or rice for added texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Zucchini And Tomato Au Gratin pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a fresh salad like Rural Salad for a complete meal. It can also be served as a side dish alongside pasta or rice. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it with crusty bread or as part of a Mediterranean recipes spread for a delightful dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the gratin in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini And Tomato Au Gratin contains roughly 753 calories, with 10g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (194% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it unbaked in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?
If you prefer fresh ingredients, you can substitute the canned tomatoes with about 2-3 cups of fresh tomatoes, chopped. Just be sure to add a little extra tomato juice to maintain the moisture level in the dish.
Is it possible to add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful of the cooking time; some vegetables may need to be sautéed longer to ensure they are tender before mixing them into the gratin.
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).