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Mediterranean Vegetable Gratin with Mozzarella and Parmesan finished dish

Mediterranean Vegetable Gratin with Mozzarella and Parmesan

Recipe card for Mediterranean Vegetable Gratin with Mozzarella and Parmesan.
Course: Main Course

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Preparation
  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.
  5. 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.
  6. Prepare the Mozzarella: Shred the mozzarella and set it aside for layering on top of the vegetables.
  7. 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.
  8. Top with Mozzarella: Once the vegetables are layered, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  9. 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.
  10. Arrange tomato slices: Place the 3 small tomato slices on top for decoration.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.

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