In the realm of culinary delights, the summer squash and cottage cheese gratin stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This delectable dish, a symphony of summer's bounty, beckons with its vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas.
At its core, the gratin features tender summer squash, sliced or diced, gently sautéed to retain its crispness. This versatile vegetable, with its mild and subtly sweet flavor, provides a perfect canvas for a medley of seasonings and herbs. The addition of creamy cottage cheese lends a velvety richness, while Parmesan cheese adds a nutty complexity and a golden-brown crust when melted.
The gratin is not limited to a single recipe; it offers variations to suit diverse palates and preferences. One recipe incorporates a savory filling of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic, adding an earthy depth to the dish. Another variation introduces a zesty twist with the inclusion of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, evoking the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.
For those seeking a meatless main course, a hearty vegetarian gratin can be crafted by incorporating crumbled tofu or roasted chickpeas, providing a protein-rich alternative. And for those with a sweet tooth, a delightful dessert gratin can be created using thinly sliced apples or pears, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg, resulting in a sweet and comforting treat.
No matter the variation, the summer squash and cottage cheese gratin emerges from the oven as a culinary masterpiece, its cheesy, golden-brown crust invitingly crisp, its interior a symphony of flavors and textures. This versatile dish can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even as a brunch item, accompanied by a crisp green salad or a crusty bread roll. Its versatility extends to its ability to be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
SUMMER SQUASH & COTTAGE CHEESE GRATIN
This comforting, high-protein gratin is good hot or cold, and especially pretty if you serve it with a fresh tomato sauce. It's from Martha Rose Shulman's column in the New York Times, "Recipe For Health". DO AHEAD: You can grate and salt the squash several hours before you make the gratin. The gratin will keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator, and can be reheated or served cold or at room temperature.
Provided by blucoat
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h10m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place the cottage cheese in a strainer set over a bowl, and drain for 20 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients. Grate the squash, and place in a large bowl or colander. Sprinkle with salt and toss. Allow to sit for 20 minutes. Squeeze out excess water, then squeeze in a towel to dry.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F Oil a 2-quart gratin or baking dish. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a medium frying pan, and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about five minutes. Add the garlic, and stir for another 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant. Remove from the heat.
- Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Stir in the cottage cheese, parsley, dill, Gruyère, onion and garlic, and squash. Combine well. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and scrape into the oiled baking dish. Bake 45 minutes or until set and lightly browned. Remove from the heat, and allow to sit for five to 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
PROVENCAL SUMMER SQUASH AND POTATO GRATIN
This dish is based on a traditional Provencal dish called a tian, the perfect baked dish for showcasing summer vegetables. Try swapping rosemary for thyme or oregano, or adding thinly sliced summer eggplant to the mix.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 1h45m
Yield 6 side dish servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly mist a shallow 2-quart baking or gratin dish with cooking spray.
- Thinly slice the squash, zucchini, potato, and onion 1/4-inch thick with a mandolin or by hand. Shingle the vegetables in the prepared baking dish in one layer. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the rosemary leaves and drizzle with olive oil. Cover with foil and bake until the potatoes are tender, 30 to 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil; sprinkle with the cheese. Bake until the cheese is browned and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 45 minutes more. Let stand at least 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
SUMMER SQUASH GRATIN
This is a typical Provençal gratin, bound with rice and eggs. You can use the recipe as a template for other gratins using other cooked vegetables.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Time 1h
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Make the sautéed summer squash, season it well and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Oil a 2-quart baking dish with olive oil. In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs, salt, pepper, and milk. Stir in the rice, thyme, the sautéed squash and the cheeses. Scrape into the baking dish.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until nicely browned on the top and edges. Remove from the oven and allow to stand for at least 10 minutes before serving, or allow to cool. The gratin is good hot, warm, or room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 219, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 29 grams, Fat 6 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 248 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams
SUMMER SQUASH AU GRATIN
Here's a tastefully terrific way to use some of that garden bounty!
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 55m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Cut each squash in half lengthwise; cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place squash slices, onions and bell pepper in 11x7-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish or 2-quart casserole. Add 1 tablespoon water. Cover with microwavable plastic wrap, venting one corner. Microwave on High 5 to 7 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain well.
- Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, cook white sauce mix and 1 1/2 cups milk as directed on package. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese. Pour over zucchini mixture in baking dish; stir gently to coat. In small bowl, mix melted butter and bread crumbs. Sprinkle over zucchini mixture.
- Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 130, Carbohydrate 10 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 4 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 300 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 0 g
SUMMER SQUASH GRATIN
I tried this when summer squash came into season and it came out beautifully. Simple and delicious!
Provided by ajodha01
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Squash Summer Squash
Time 1h2m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- Place buttery crackers and cornmeal in a plastic resealable bag; seal and pound into fine crumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot; cook and stir until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add yellow squash and zucchini. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
- Stir milk and butter into the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high; cook until butter is melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in crumb mixture and Mexican cheese blend. Remove from heat.
- Spread yellow squash mixture evenly in an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, about 15 minutes. Increase heat to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) and continue baking until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 175.9 calories, Carbohydrate 10.1 g, Cholesterol 22.6 mg, Fat 13.6 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 4.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.1 g, Sodium 186.2 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
CHEESY SUMMER SQUASH CASSEROLE
Onion and cheddar cheese perk up the rich flavor of summer squash in this comforting casserole. A crispy cornflake-crumb topping adds a little crunch. -Katherine Metz, Jacksonville, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 35m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, combine squash, onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until squash is crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain., In a small bowl, whisk the egg, mayonnaise, sugar, pepper and remaining salt until blended. Stir in cheese and squash mixture. Transfer to a greased 2-cup baking dish. Toss the cornflakes and butter; sprinkle over top. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° until golden brown and bubbly, 25-30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 376 calories, Fat 31g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 117mg cholesterol, Sodium 937mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.
SUMMER SQUASH AND ZUCCHINI GRATIN
Easy to make and delicious squash and zucchini gratin side dish.
Provided by becky
Time 50m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
- Slice onion into thin rounds. Slice zucchini and yellow squash into 1/4-inch rounds.
- Melt butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add onion slices and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add cream and ricotta cheese; stir and simmer until bubbly and starting to thicken, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Slowly stir in Parmesan cheese. Add zucchini and summer squash and gently stir to combine. Cook for just a few minutes then sprinkle with bacon. Spread Gouda cheese evenly over the bacon and top with salt and pepper.
- Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake until cheese is deep golden brown on top and squash is tender, about 20 minutes. If squash needs more cooking time, cover the skillet with foil so the top crust doesn't get too dark.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 475.1 calories, Carbohydrate 11 g, Cholesterol 130.7 mg, Fat 38.5 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 22.9 g, SaturatedFat 22.2 g, Sodium 1087.3 mg, Sugar 3 g
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh summer squash that is firm and free of blemishes. - If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or basil instead. - If you're using a cast iron skillet, be sure to preheat it over medium heat for at least 5 minutes before adding the squash. This will help to prevent the squash from sticking. - Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the squash. Cook it in batches if necessary. - Once the squash is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Wipe out the skillet and then add the butter and onion. Cook the onion until it is softened and translucent. - Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until it has thickened. - Stir in the squash, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. - Bake the gratin in a preheated 375 degree Fahrenheit oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. - Let the gratin cool for 5 minutes before serving.Conclusion:
This summer squash and cottage cheese gratin is a delicious and easy side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender squash, this gratin is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a new way to enjoy summer squash, give this gratin a try!
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