Mama’s Absurd Vegetable Gratin
Description: Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of homely comfort with Mama’s Absurd Vegetable Gratin. This dish is a testament to simplicity and flavor, handed down from generation to generation. Bursting with the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, it’s a celebration of the season’s bounty. Mama may have deemed it absurd to write down such a seemingly simple recipe, but the flavors speak volumes, beckoning you to recreate this masterpiece in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this dish promises to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
Recipe Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: N/A
Ingredients:
- 10 zucchinis
- 2 roma tomatoes
- 7 ounces parmesan cheese
- 8 sprigs fresh basil
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Vegetable stock (for Vegetarian option)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 257.5
- Fat: 2.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Cholesterol: 6.3mg
- Sodium: 145.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6.2g
- Sugar: 5.7g
- Protein: 9.4g
Keywords: Vegetable, Canadian, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Spring, Broil/Grill, < 60 Mins, Oven
Recipe Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready when you’re done with the prep.
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Prepare Vegetables: Wash and slice the zucchinis and roma tomatoes into thin, even slices. Keep them aside for layering.
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Layer Vegetables: Take a casserole dish and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Now, start layering the vegetables in the dish, alternating between slices of zucchini and roma tomatoes until you’ve used half of each. This creates a beautiful pattern and ensures even distribution of flavors.
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Add Cheese and Basil: Once you’ve laid down the first layer of vegetables, sprinkle half of the parmesan cheese and tear half of the fresh basil leaves over the veggies. This adds a burst of savory goodness and aromatic freshness to the dish.
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Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the layer of cheese and basil. This not only adds richness but also helps in caramelizing the vegetables as they bake.
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Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining zucchini, roma tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and basil leaves. Ensure you finish with a final layer of cheese and basil on top.
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Pour Stock: Carefully pour vegetable stock over the assembled layers. This infuses the dish with additional flavor and moisture, ensuring each bite is packed with goodness.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the gratin from the oven and marvel at its heavenly aroma. Serve hot, savoring each mouthful of this delectable creation. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a side, Mama’s Absurd Vegetable Gratin is sure to leave you craving for more.
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Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the flavorsome goodness of this dish.
Indulge in the absurdly delicious flavors of Mama’s Vegetable Gratin, a dish that transcends simplicity to deliver unparalleled taste and comfort. 🌿🧀🍅