This delightful zucchini casserole, paired with a homemade tartar sauce, transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious and comforting dish. It’s a perfect example of how versatile zucchini and potatoes can be, creating a fluffy, savory bake that’s ideal for any meal.
Ingredients for Casserole:
- Zucchini: 1, grated
- Potato: 1, grated
- Semolina: 3 tablespoons
- Milk: 50 ml (approximately 2.5 fl oz)
- Cheese: 50 grams (about 1.8 ounces), grated
- Eggs: 2
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons, plus more for greasing
- Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon
- Flour: 70 grams (approximately 1/2 cup or 2.5 ounces)
- Dill and Parsley: Finely chopped, to taste
- Salt: To taste
Ingredients for Tartar Sauce:
- Canned Cucumbers (Pickles): 4, finely chopped
- Olives: 10 pitted, chopped
- Dill: Finely chopped, to taste
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Sour Cream: 2 tablespoons
- Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Grate the zucchini and potato. To remove excess moisture, wrap the grated vegetables in a clean towel and squeeze out as much water as possible.
- Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, potato, semolina, milk, grated cheese, eggs, vegetable oil, baking powder, flour, chopped dill, chopped parsley, and salt. Stir until well combined. The mixture should have a thick but pourable consistency, similar to a cake batter.
- Pour into a Baking Dish:
- Grease a baking dish with a little oil or use non-stick spray. Pour the mixture into the dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Tartar Sauce:
- While the casserole bakes, prepare the tartar sauce. In a small bowl, combine the chopped pickles, olives, dill, minced garlic, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix well until the sauce is smooth.
- Serve:
- Once the casserole is baked, let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm slices with a dollop of the tartar sauce on the side.
Why This Recipe Works: The semolina and baking powder in this casserole help to create a light and fluffy texture that beautifully complements the savory flavors of zucchini and potato. The homemade tartar sauce adds a refreshing and creamy element that elevates the dish, making it a delightful choice for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe is not only tasty but also visually appealing, making it a perfect dish to surprise your guests with its flavor and presentation.