Zucchini Mornay Recipe ๐ง๐ฅ
Introduction:
Indulge in the fresh flavors of your garden with this delightful Zucchini Mornay recipe ๐ฟ. Straight from the pages of “Thru the Grapevine,” this dish presents a unique twist to savor the abundance of zucchini in your garden. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, it’s a perfect addition to your weeknight menu ๐.
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 157 per serving
- Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ (based on 1 review)
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
3 | Zucchinis |
1/2 tsp | Salt |
1 | Onion |
1 clove | Garlic |
4 tbsp | Butter |
3 tbsp | Flour |
1/3 – 1/2 cup | Swiss Cheese (plus extra for topping) |
2/3 cup | Light Cream |
3 tbsp | Bread Crumbs |
Instructions:
-
Prep the Zucchini:
- Grate the zucchinis ๐ฅ and sprinkle with salt. Allow them to sit for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
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Squeeze and Save:
- After 20 minutes, wring out the zucchinis to remove the excess water. Save this flavorful zucchini juice for later use.
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Saute to Fragrance:
- In a pan, melt the butter ๐ง over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion ๐ง and minced garlic ๐ง. Saute until they turn translucent and fragrant.
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Create a Roux:
- Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
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Thicken with Flavor:
- Pour in the reserved zucchini juice, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. Once it reaches a creamy consistency, add in the grated zucchinis. Mix well.
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Creamy Goodness:
- Stir in the light cream ๐ฅ to bring a rich, velvety texture to the dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the flavors.
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Cheesy Bliss:
- Add 1/3 cup of the Swiss cheese ๐ง into the zucchini mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). Grease a shallow baking dish with butter.
- Transfer the zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese over the top, creating a cheesy crust.
- Finish with a generous sprinkle of breadcrumbs for that delightful crunch.
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Golden Brown and Delicious:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve the Zucchini Mornay hot, spooning out generous portions of this creamy, cheesy delight ๐ง.
Serving Suggestions:
This Zucchini Mornay is a versatile dish that can stand alone as a satisfying main course or serve as a delightful side dish. Pair it with a crisp green salad ๐ฅ for a light and refreshing meal, or serve alongside grilled chicken ๐ or fish ๐ for a complete dinner experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 157
- Total Fat: 10.7g
- Saturated Fat: 6.5g
- Cholesterol: 30.1mg
- Sodium: 254.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 11.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugar: 2.6g
- Protein: 4.9g
Recipe Notes:
- Zucchini Texture: By grating and wringing out the zucchinis, you ensure a creamy, not watery, texture to your Zucchini Mornay.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses ๐ง! Gruyere, cheddar, or Gouda would all make excellent substitutes or additions.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the zucchini mixture ahead of time and bake it just before serving for a quick and easy meal prep option.
- Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Simply assemble the Zucchini Mornay in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
There you have it, a scrumptious Zucchini Mornay recipe that transforms humble zucchinis into a cheesy masterpiece ๐จ. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a delightful side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy! ๐ด