Zucchini Gratin

Zucchini Gratin: a tasty and healthy dish

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Zucchini are versatile vegetables, full of flavor and nutrients, and zucchini gratin is an excellent way to showcase them. This simple and quick recipe will bring a delicious dish to your table, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:
- 1.2 kg of zucchini
- 350 ml of yogurt
- 200 g of feta cheese
- 3 large cloves of garlic
- 30 ml of extra virgin olive oil
- 250 g of breadcrumbs
- 50 g of grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Preparing the zucchini
Start by washing the zucchini well. After peeling them, cut them into thin slices, about 5 mm thick, lengthwise. This step is essential because thinner slices will cook evenly and allow the flavors to blend perfectly. Sprinkle a little salt over them and let them sweat for 15 minutes. The salt will help extract water from the zucchini, preventing a too-wet gratin at the end.

Step 2: Preparing the yogurt mixture
In a bowl, combine the yogurt with the grated (or crumbled) feta cheese, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. The garlic will add an intense flavor, so adjust the amount according to your preferences.

Step 3: Assembling the gratin
In a baking dish, grease the bottom with extra virgin olive oil. Place a layer of zucchini slices, followed by a layer of the yogurt and cheese mixture. Continue alternating layers, ensuring that the last layer is zucchini. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top to achieve a crispy and golden crust. Finally, sprinkle the grated cheese, which will add an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the zucchini gratin dish inside. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the crust becomes golden and crispy. A trick to achieve a perfect texture is to cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, allowing the zucchini to cook evenly.

Step 5: Serving
Once the gratin is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before portioning it. You can serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or as a side dish for a juicy steak. This zucchini gratin is not only a healthy choice but also an excellent way to impress guests with a seasonal dish.

Variation suggestion: Replace feta cheese with goat cheese for a more intense flavor or add some sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean touch. You can also experiment with herbs like oregano or basil to customize the flavor of the gratin.

This zucchini gratin is a simple, quick, and flavorful recipe, perfect for those who want to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal. Enjoy it with pleasure!

 Ingredients: 1.2 kilograms of zucchini, 350 ml of yogurt, 200 grams of telemea cheese, 3 large cloves of garlic, 30 ml of extra virgin olive oil, 250 grams of breadcrumbs, 50 grams of grated cheese, salt, pepper.