A quick and easy vegetarian zucchini-tomato-mozzarella bake for two, a starter for 4, or even a side. A rustic Italian favorite, taught me by my Roman friends. If serving as a main, then crusty bread, torn off the loaf by hand, and a green salad with a lemon and/or lime vinaigrette dressing cannot be beat.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 zucchini, sliced
- 1 large clove garlic, crushed
- 4 ounces thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
- 4 large tomatoes, peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Move the oven rack into the top third of the oven.
Step 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and spread zucchini slices into the skillet in a single layer. If they don't fit, cook them in batches. Sprinkle pieces of garlic over zucchini, and cook until zucchini are golden brown on both sides, about 8 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
Step 3
Arrange slices of zucchini in a 9×12-inch glass baking dish, alternating with slices of mozzarella cheese and tomato, so that the slices overlap each other in a neat row pattern. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and basil over the dish, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and brown and the dish is bubbling, about 30 minutes.
Cook’s Note
If you wish to take a bit extra time, put the freshly sliced zucchini in a colander in layers, salting each layer as you go. Then place a suitably sized plate (or equivalent) on the top and weigh it down (scale weights are good for this — although I have used big liter bottles of water before now and/or bags of sugar!). After 30 or so minutes, a surprising amount of water will have been drawn out. You can then dry the slices thoroughly with a clean cloth, or paper kitchen towel (careful not to leave paper behind!), and then they're ready for cooking.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe 2 | |
Calories 412 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat26g | 34% |
Saturated Fat10g | 48% |
Cholesterol44mg | 15% |
Sodium563mg | 24% |
Total Carbohydrate25g | 9% |
Dietary Fiber7g | 25% |
Total Sugars14g | |
Protein24g | |
Vitamin C87mg | 437% |
Calcium648mg | 50% |
Iron2mg | 12% |
Potassium1552mg | 33% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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