Savory Tomato Zucchini Gratin 🍅🥒

This delicious Tomato Zucchini Gratin is a vibrant and comforting dish that's sure to be a standout at your dinner table. With layered slices of fresh tomatoes and zucchini, paired with fragrant herbs and a crispy topping, this gratin is perfect for a cozy evening or a summer gathering. It's a delightful way to enjoy vegetables in a light yet satisfying manner. Pair it with a simple green salad and a crusty loaf of bread to round out the meal! 🍞🥗

Ingredients

For the gratin

• 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
• 3 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)

For the topping

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Sauté the onions and garlic: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, followed by the dried oregano, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Layer the vegetables: In a greased baking dish, spread the sautéed onion and garlic mixture evenly on the bottom. Then layer the zucchini and tomato slices alternately in a spiral motion, starting from the outer edge of the dish and working your way inward. Lightly season each layer with salt, pepper, and fresh basil.

4. Prepare the topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and melted butter. Mix until all the crumbs are coated.

5. Top the gratin: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the layered vegetables.

6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.

7. Serve: Allow the gratin to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

🧑‍🍳 For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese between the layers of vegetables. This will create a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the fresh tomatoes and zucchini.

Variations

• Low-carb: Substitute zucchini with sliced eggplant or omit the breadcrumbs entirely for a lighter version.
• Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat!
• Herbaceous: Use fresh thyme and rosemary along with the basil for an aromatic twist.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the gratin up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this Tomato Zucchini Gratin is sure to impress! 🍽️