Gratinated Zucchini

Gratinated Zucchini with Cheese - A Tasty and Comforting Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious and simple recipe that will delight your taste buds, gratinated zucchini with cheese is the perfect choice! These gratinated zucchinis are not only tasty but also an excellent way to make the most of the fresh vegetables from your garden. With a creamy filling and a golden layer of cheese on top, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 3

Ingredients:

- 3 medium zucchinis
- 2 tablespoons cottage cheese
- 3-4 tablespoons grated telemea cheese
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 2 raw eggs
- 1 boiled egg
- 6 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 1 knob of butter
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 bunch of parsley, for garnish
- Soy sauce, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

A Brief History:

Gratinated zucchinis are a versatile dish with deep roots in the culinary traditions of various cultures. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from meat to vegetables or cheeses, adapting to everyone's tastes and preferences. In this recipe, we focus on a delicious cheese filling that makes the zucchinis a comforting and hearty dish.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the zucchinis:
Start by washing the zucchinis well under running water. Cut them lengthwise, then use a teaspoon to scoop out the flesh from each half, being careful not to remove all the pulp. The young skin of the zucchini is edible and adds extra nutrients, so don’t peel it!

2. Blanching the zucchinis:
Place the scooped zucchinis in a pot of water with a pinch of salt. Put the pot on the heat and let it boil until the water is bubbling. It’s important not to leave them too long so they don’t become too soft. After a few boils, remove them with a spatula and let them drain in a colander.

3. Preparing the filling:
In a large bowl, add the scooped zucchini flesh, cottage cheese, grated telemea cheese, sour cream, chopped boiled egg, and chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a smooth and creamy mixture.

4. Filling the zucchinis:
Place the zucchinis in a buttered baking dish. Fill each half of the zucchini with the cheese mixture. Sprinkle a tablespoon of grated parmesan on top, and for an extra flavor boost, drizzle them with a few drops of soy sauce.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish with the stuffed zucchinis in the oven and let them bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top becomes golden and crispy.

6. Adding the egg:
5 minutes before removing them from the oven, beat the two raw eggs with a pinch of salt and pour them evenly over the zucchinis. This will create an additional layer of flavor and texture.

7. Serving:
Once the zucchinis are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm, alongside a fresh salad or a side of rice.

Useful Tips:

- Variations: You can replace telemea cheese with feta or mozzarella for a different flavor. You can also add a few slices of tomatoes or olives to the filling for an extra taste.
- Serving: This dish pairs perfectly with a green salad with lemon and olive oil, or with a refreshing drink like iced mint tea.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: These gratinated zucchinis are a healthy choice, being rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of cheese used.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use frozen zucchinis? While it’s recommended to use fresh zucchinis for better texture, you can also use frozen zucchinis, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
- How can I store leftovers? If you have leftover gratinated zucchinis, you can keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

I hope you try this recipe for gratinated zucchini with cheese and enjoy every bite! This is not just a tasty dish, but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around the table. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 3 zucchini, 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese, 3-4 tablespoons of grated telemea cheese, 1 tablespoon of sour cream, 2 raw eggs, 1 boiled egg, 6 tablespoons of grated parmesan, butter the size of a walnut, fresh dill, fresh parsley, soy sauce, olive oil, freshly ground pepper

 Tags:  zucchini telemea cheese unt soy sauce