The Mediterranean Vegetable Gratin is a vibrant, colorful, and flavorful dish that brings together the richness of roasted vegetables with the creamy textures of mozzarella and the sharpness of Parmesan cheese. Layered with a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish offers a delicious combination of textures. Perfect as a main course or a side dish, it highlights seasonal vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and broccoli. The use of herbs like basil, rosemary, and dill adds aromatic depth, while the lemony garlic olive oil dressing brings out a zesty finish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, this Mediterranean-inspired gratin will satisfy your taste buds while being a nutritious and wholesome option.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Vegetables:
  • 2 zucchini, sliced
  • Salt (for sprinkling)
  • 1 eggplant, sliced
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • Olive oil (for sautéing and drizzling)
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 broccoli, cut into florets
  • Hot water (for blanching broccoli)
  • 3 tomatoes, chopped
  • Basil (to taste)
• Cheese and Toppings:
  • 60 g Parmesan cheese (1 cup), grated
  • 130 g breadcrumbs (1-2 cups)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Rosemary (to taste)
  • 3 small tomatoes, sliced
  • 100 g mozzarella cheese (1.5 cups), shredded
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)
• Dressing:
  • Dill (to taste)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 30 ml olive oil (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Slice the zucchini and eggplant: Sprinkle both with a little salt and set aside for about 10 minutes. This helps to remove excess moisture and reduce bitterness, especially from the eggplant.
2. Blanch the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil, and add the broccoli florets. Let them blanch for about 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to retain their bright color and crunchiness. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
4. Prepare the tomatoes: Chop 3 tomatoes and set them aside for later layering in the gratin.

Step 2: Make the Breadcrumb Topping

1. Combine breadcrumbs with seasoning: In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, rosemary, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This will create the crispy, savory topping for the gratin.
2. Prepare the Mozzarella: Shred the mozzarella and set it aside for layering on top of the vegetables.

Step 3: Assemble the Gratin

1. Layer the vegetables: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large baking dish, start by placing a layer of zucchini slices on the bottom, followed by the eggplant, blanched broccoli, and sautéed onions and bell peppers. Then, add a layer of chopped tomatoes and sprinkle some fresh basil over the top.
2. Top with Mozzarella: Once the vegetables are layered, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
3. Add the breadcrumb mixture: Spread the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture evenly over the mozzarella layer. The breadcrumbs will turn crispy as the gratin bakes, creating a delightful crunchy texture.
4. Arrange tomato slices: Place the 3 small tomato slices on top for decoration.

Step 4: Bake the Gratin

1. Drizzle with olive oil: Before placing the dish in the oven, drizzle the top with a bit of olive oil to help the breadcrumbs and cheese brown.
2. Bake: Bake the gratin in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the vegetables are tender.
3. Finish with fresh herbs: Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped dill and drizzle the lemon-garlic olive oil dressing over the top for added flavor.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let the gratin cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil or dill if desired. Enjoy as a main dish or a side with a fresh salad or crusty bread.

Cooking Tips

• Salting the eggplant and zucchini: Don’t skip the step of salting the eggplant and zucchini. It helps draw out moisture and prevents the gratin from becoming watery.
• Customizing vegetables: Feel free to swap out vegetables or add extras like mushrooms, spinach, or cauliflower depending on your preferences or what’s in season.
• Breadcrumb alternatives: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Cheese variations: You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheese flavor, or even use a mix of cheeses.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven to retain the crispiness, or microwave it if you’re in a hurry.
• Freezing: While this dish can be frozen, the texture of the vegetables may change slightly. If you choose to freeze it, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 260 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sodium: 520 mg

FAQs

1. Can I prepare the gratin ahead of time?
   • Yes! You can prepare the layers, refrigerate it, and bake it right before serving.
2. Can I make this dish vegan?
   • To make it vegan, use a dairy-free cheese substitute and swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
3. How do I make it spicier?
   • If you like a little heat, add extra smoked paprika, cayenne, or red chili flakes to the vegetable mixture.
4. What can I serve this gratin with?
   • This gratin pairs well with roasted meats, grilled fish, or as part of a vegetarian meal alongside a green salad or quinoa.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Vegetable Gratin is a comforting, nourishing, and versatile dish that celebrates the natural flavors of vegetables. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for gatherings or family dinners. The crispy, cheesy breadcrumb topping combined with the soft, tender vegetables creates a delightful contrast in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a light main course or a hearty side dish, this gratin is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and healthful ingredients of this Mediterranean-inspired creation!