Tomato and Zucchini Bake

This delightful dish combines the freshness of tomatoes with the lightness of zucchini, making it a healthy and tasty option for any meal. With the richness of mozzarella and gouda cheeses, it's creamy yet not overly heavy. The aromatic touch of garlic and basil adds a wonderful depth of flavor, while lemon juice provides a hint of zest, brightening the overall taste. The bake is topped with a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs and cheese, creating a delightful contrast to the soft vegetables beneath. It's a dish that can stand alone or complement a variety of sides. Ideal for a family dinner or a festive occasion, this recipe is versatile and appealing to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Easy to prepare, it can be modified to suit different dietary preferences or available ingredients. Serve it warm with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that's sure to satisfy. The gentle mix of spices brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, making this a memorable dish for all who taste it.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 750 g tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 bunch basil
• 250 g mozzarella cheese
• 2 small zucchinis (approx. 300 g)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 75 g breadcrumbs
• 150 g gouda or emmental cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

• Total time: 75 minutes
• Includes prep and cook time

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Boil water and pour over the tomatoes briefly, then transfer them to cold water immediately. Peel off the skins, dice the tomatoes, remove the stem areas, and discard some seeds.
2. Prepare the Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and crush them using a garlic press.
3. Wash and Cut the Basil: Rinse the basil under cold water and shake off excess moisture. Slice the leaves into thin strips.
4. Cube the Mozzarella: Cut the mozzarella cheese into cubes and place them in a bowl.
5. Mix Ingredients: Combine the mozzarella, diced tomatoes, crushed garlic, basil, and dried thyme in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease the baking dish with some butter or oil to prevent sticking.
7. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 200°C (392°F) and allow it to heat up.
8. Arrange in Dish: Spread the prepared tomatoes and cheese mixture evenly into the greased dish.
9. Prepare the Zucchini: Wash the zucchinis and slice them lengthwise into thin pieces.
10. Season the Zucchini: Drizzle lemon juice over zucchini slices, add a bit of salt and pepper, then layer these on top of the tomato mixture.
11. Combine Toppings: Mix breadcrumbs with grated gouda or emmental cheese, and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the zucchini slices.
12. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes at 180°C (356°F) until the cheese on top turns golden brown.
13. Remove and Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes to settle.
14. Serve: Slice and serve warm, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.

Tips

• Cheese Substitution: For different flavors, try Parmesan instead of gouda or emmental.
• Vegetable Variations: You can add slices of eggplant or bell peppers for additional texture.
• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based cheese and omit the mozzarella for a vegan version.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Protein: 20g
• Fats: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 22g

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add red chili flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
• Herb Mix: Try adding oregano or rosemary along with thyme for a different herb profile.
• Add Protein: Include cooked chicken cubes or chickpeas for more protein.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad.
• Serve with crusty bread for a balanced meal.
• Enjoy it with a glass of white wine for a delightful dinner experience.

Best Places

• Chez Panisse - A pioneer in California cuisine, known for fresh ingredients and innovative dishes. Location: 1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, USA.
• The Ledbury - Offers a refined European menu with farm-fresh produce. Location: 127 Ledbury Rd, London, UK.
• Le Meurice - A piece of Paris with a modern twist, delightful for lovers of gastronomy. Location: 228 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• Narisawa - Blends Japanese culinary aesthetics with European techniques. Location: Minami Ayoyama, Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
• Eleven Madison Park - Known for its artistic and gourmet offerings. Location: 11 Madison Ave, New York, USA.
• Ultraviolet - An immersive dining experience with a focus on seasonality and locality. Location: Shanghai, China.
• Osteria Francescana - Italian at its finest, contemporary yet steeped in tradition. Location: Via Stella, Modena, Italy.
• Gaggan - Celebrated for progressive cuisine with an Indian flair. Location: Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
• Attica - Known for creativity, serving modern Australian cuisine. Location: 74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea, Australia.
• Pujol - Reinventing Mexican cuisine with local flavors and ingredients. Location: Tennyson 133, Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico.