Recipe: Summer Vegetable Gratin
Serves4 to 6
When it seems like summer markets are being overrun by zucchini and tomatoes, it’s time for a summer vegetable gratin. Layered with onions and garlic and topped with a mixture of buttery breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, this baked vegetable dish is the anecdote to one more zucchini salad. The vegetables bake into tender bubbly submission, melting them into a rich medley of summer freshness.
Selecting and Preparing Vegetables for Gratin
Slender, not oversized, yellow squash and zucchini are best for this dish. The larger the squash, the more prominent the seeds are. Look for plum or Roma tomatoes because they are the most uniform in size and the slices are similar diameter to the squash. Avoid heirlooms or other juicy specimens, as they will drown out the other vegetables with their moisture.
Cooking the onions before adding them to the baking dish ensures that the onions will be as soft and supple as the zucchini and tomatoes when finished. Layering the cooked onions under the sliced vegetables makes a beautiful presentation and also elevates the squashes and tomatoes so they don’t stew in their own juices.
Gratins can be served hot or at room temperature. Leftovers would be wonderful in a frittata, layered on a baguette, or stacked between layers of lasagna noodles.
Summer Vegetable Gratin
Serves 4 to 6
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup
fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup
grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon
olive oil
- 2 teaspoons
finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 2 teaspoons
finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
For the gratin:
- 2
medium zucchini squash (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter)
- 2
medium yellow zucchini (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter)
- 3 to 4
plum or Roma tomatoes
- 1/4 cup
olive oil, divided
- 1 1/4 teaspoons
kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper
- 1
small onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2
medium orange bell pepper, halved and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves
garlic, minced
Instructions
Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 375°F. Lightly coat an 8x8-inch baking dish with oil; set aside.
Make the topping:
Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix until combined; set aside.
Make the gratin:
Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to cut the zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes crosswise into 1/4-inch rounds. Place in a large bowl, add 2 tablespoons of the oil, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper. Toss to combine; set aside.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onions, bell pepper, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
Transfer the onion mixture to the baking dish and spread into an even layer. Place the zucchini, squash, and tomato slices on the onions, arranging them on their sides and alternating the slices as you go. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until the vegetables are tender and the edges and topping are browned, 15 to 20 minutes more.
Recipe Notes
Make ahead: The gratin can be assembled 1 day in advance and refrigerated, but wait to sprinkle the topping on until you are ready to bake.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.