Baked Vegetable Gratin (Verdure Al Forno)

(from saymyname’s recipe box)

Source: Cucina Fresca

Serves 6 people

Categories: Casserole, Italian, Side Dish, Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 6 medium zucchini (about 1 lb.)
  • coarse salt
  • 1 lb spinach, washed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil (and a little more for the baking dish)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh basil
  • 1 cup cooked garbanzo beans
  • freshly ground pepper

Directions

  1. Cut the zucchini into 1/2-inch dice; place in a colander; salt, and drain for 20 minutes.

  2. Cut off any long stems from the spinach.

  3. Cook spinach with water that clings to the leaves in a pot, along with a little salt just until the spinach wilts; drain and let cool.

  4. Squeeze out the excess water and coarsely chop.

  5. Gently saute the onion in 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over low heat for 20 minutes or until the onion is soft and pale gold.

  6. Meanwhile, pat the zucchini dry with paper towels; add to the onions, and saute for 10 minutes.

  7. Add the spinach and garlic and saute for an additional 2-3 minutes.

  8. Turn into a bowl and let cool.

  9. Combine the vegetables with 1/2 cup Parmesan, eggs, parsley, garbanzo beans, salt, and pepper.

  10. Lightly oil a shallow, round baking dish; fill dish with the spinach mixture.

  11. Sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons Parmesan and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil.

  12. Bake in a preheated 375° oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until a golden crust has formed.

  13. Let cool; serve at room temperature.

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