Zucchini with tomatoes and mozzarella

Delicious zucchini with tomatoes and mozzarella recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

If you're looking for a simple but flavorful recipe, zucchini with tomatoes and mozzarella is the perfect choice. This classic combination brings together the flavors of fresh vegetables and the creaminess of mozzarella cheese, creating a light and vitamin-packed dish. The dish is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences, ideal as a side dish or even as a vegetarian main course.

A brief history
Zucchini, a staple ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, is prized not only for its fine taste but also for its nutritional benefits. It is rich in water, vitamins and minerals, making it a perfect ally for a healthy diet. Mozzarella, on the other hand, adds a touch of creaminess and a great taste, an ingredient that enriches any dish. This simple recipe combines tradition with innovation, allowing you to enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal.

Ingredients needed:
- 1 medium zucchini
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 250-300 gr fresh mozzarella
- 3 eggs
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Oregano, dried, for extra flavor
- Dried basil for an authentic Mediterranean taste
- 1 tbsp butter

Step by step to the perfect dish:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the zucchini under cold water. It's important to choose a fresh courgette with a smooth, blemish-free skin. Peel it if you prefer, but you can leave the skin on for a more rustic look and crisp texture. Cut into round slices about 1 cm thick. Place the courgette slices in a bowl, sprinkle with salt and leave for 10 minutes. This step will help remove excess water from the zucchini, preventing it from becoming too watery.

2. Preparing the tomatoes and mozzarella
Wash the tomatoes, cut off the cores and slice into thin rounds. Make sure you choose ripe tomatoes for intense flavor. Dice or slice the mozzarella, depending on your preference. If using pickled mozzarella, drain excess water well to avoid diluting the flavors.

3. Preparing the baking dish
Grease a heatproof baking dish with a little butter to prevent the ingredients from sticking together and to add a hint of flavor. This detail makes a significant difference in the final dish.

4. Assembling the dish
Now the fun begins! Place a slice of tomato on the bottom of the dish, followed by a slice of zucchini and a piece of mozzarella. Keep alternating layers: tomato, zucchini, mozzarella, until the dish is full. Not only does this technique look good, but it also helps distribute the flavors evenly.

5. Making the egg mixture
In a bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt, pepper, dried basil and a sprinkle of oregano. The egg mixture will bind all the ingredients together and add a fluffy texture to the dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the vegetables in the bowl.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The dish is ready when the vegetables are tender and have a golden color around the edges. It's a good idea to check from time to time to make sure they don't dry out too much.

7. Cooling and serving
Once the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and stabilize. You can serve the zucchini with tomatoes and mozzarella with a fresh green salad or a slice of fresh bread.

Practical tips:
- You can add other vegetables, such as aubergines or peppers, to diversify the dish.
- If you want a more intense taste, use smoked mozzarella or feta cheese instead of classic mozzarella.
- This dish is great served chilled and is ideal for a picnic or summer meal.

Nutritional benefits:
Zucchini is low in calories, with about 17 calories per 100 grams, but rich in vitamins A and C, fiber and antioxidants. Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and mozzarella provides protein and calcium.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen zucchini?
It's recommended to use fresh zucchini for a better texture, but if you have frozen zucchini, make sure it is well drained before use.
- What else can I add to the recipe?
You can experiment with different cheeses, fresh greens or even spicy spices to customize the dish to your taste.

Perfect combinations:
This zucchini with tomatoes and mozzarella goes great with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade. You can also accompany it with a rocket salad with grated Parmesan and toasted walnuts for a balanced and delicious meal.

Try this simple and tasty zucchini with tomatoes and mozzarella recipe and enjoy the Mediterranean flavors in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!