Feast your eyes on the delectable Courgette Gratin, a culinary masterpiece that harmoniously blends the delicate flavors of zucchini with a symphony of rich, creamy cheeses. This vegetarian delight is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual spectacle, showcasing a golden-brown crust that entices the senses. Dive into the culinary journey with our comprehensive guide, featuring a classic gratin recipe that stays true to tradition and a tantalizing vegan variation that caters to plant-based preferences.
The classic Courgette Gratin recipe embarks on a flavor expedition, where thinly sliced zucchini intertwines with a luscious béchamel sauce, Parmesan and Gruyère cheeses, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. For a healthier twist, the vegan Courgette Gratin emerges as a vibrant alternative, showcasing a creamy cashew sauce that seamlessly replaces the dairy elements. Both recipes promise a culinary adventure that culminates in a golden-crusted, cheesy masterpiece that will leave you craving for more.
COURGETTE GRATIN
This simple courgette gratin makes a great side dish as it's creamy and flavoursome without being too rich. Serve with a salad for a light supper. Each serving provides 273 kcal, 10g protein, 5.5g carbohydrate (of which 4g sugars), 23g fat (of which 12g saturates), 2g fibre and 0.7g salt.
Provided by The Hairy Bikers
Categories Light meals & snacks
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 200C/Fan 180C/Gas 6
- Put the olive oil in a large, lidded frying pan. Add the courgettes and herbs and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook gently for 10 minutes, stirring every so often, until the courgettes have softened slightly but are still al dente. The oil should have taken on a deep, rich green colour from the courgettes.
- Transfer to an oven dish. Whisk the crème fraîche, milk and flour together in a bowl and season with salt. Pour this mixture over the courgettes - it will not be enough to completely cover the courgettes, but this is fine - it will bubble up when cooking.
- Sprinkle over the cheese. Bake in the oven for around 25 minutes, or until brown and bubbling.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 273kcal, Carbohydrate 5.5g, Fat 23g, Fiber 2g, Protein 10g, SaturatedFat 12g, Sugar 4g
BAKED COURGETTE & TOMATO GRATIN
Make the most of courgette and tomatoes in this gratin, with melted mozzarella, fresh basil and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It's a great freezing dish
Provided by Rosie Birkett
Categories Dinner, Main course, Supper
Time 1h10m
Yield Serves 2-4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Sprinkle the courgettes with a pinch of sea salt flakes and lay them on a plate with another plate on top. Put a weight or tin on top to help push out the liquid.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick frying pan and add the tomatoes and garlic. Cook over a medium heat, stirring, for 5 mins until thickened. Tear in the basil, if using, and season.
- Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and oil a roasting dish. Combine the flours in a bowl. Pour away the water from the courgette. Dip the courgette slices into the egg, then into the flour, and arrange in a layer over the bottom of the dish. Top with a few slices of mozzarella, followed by a layer of the tomato sauce, and repeat with another layer of courgette, mozzarella and sauce. Toss the cheese and breadcrumbs together, then scatter over the top.
- Drizzle with a little more olive oil, and bake for 40-45 mins until golden and bubbling. Serve with a herby red onion salad and some bread to mop it up, if you like. Can be frozen for up to two months.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 427 calories, Fat 23 grams fat, SaturatedFat 10 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 33 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 6 grams sugar, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 20 grams protein, Sodium 0.8 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- Choose fresh, firm courgettes: Look for courgettes that are deep green in color and have no blemishes. Avoid any that are soft or have yellowed ends.
- Slice the courgettes thinly: This will help them cook evenly and quickly.
- Use a good quality cheese: The cheese is one of the key ingredients in this dish, so it's important to use one that you enjoy the taste of. A sharp cheddar or Gruyère are both good options.
- Don't overcook the courgettes: They should be tender but still have a slight bite to them.
- Serve the gratin immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Conclusion:
Courgette gratin is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It's a great way to use up fresh courgettes and it's also a good source of vitamins and minerals. This dish is a great way to get your family and friends to eat their vegetables. It's cheesy, creamy, and full of flavor. Plus, it's a breeze to make. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy summer meal, give courgette gratin a try.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love