Zucchini

Sunday, November 18, 2012

I think of zucchini as a summer vegetable, but in reality I use it all year.  It’s one of the most versatile vegetables I cook with.  This gratin, a Barefoot Contessa recipe, is a perfect way to serve it.  The flavours – zucchini, onion, nutmeg – are very simple, but they meld together beautifully. And the Gruyère and bread crumb topping makes the dish special enough to serve for company.  But my family is very happy when I make it just for them!

Zucchini Gratin
(from Barefoot in Paris, by Ina Garten)

6 Tbsp unsalted butter (first amount)
3 large yellow onions, cut in half and sliced (1 pound)
4 medium zucchini, sliced 1/4 inch thick (2 pounds)
1 tsp kosher salt
pinch of freshly ground pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup hot milk
3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
3/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese
1 Tbsp unsalted butter (second amount)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Melt the butter in a very large (12”) saucepan and cook the onions over low heat for 20 minutes, or until tender but not browned.  Add the zucchini and cook, covered, for 10 minutes, or until tender.  Add salt, pepper and nutmeg, and cook uncovered for 5 more minutes.  Stir in the flour.  Add the hot milk and cook over low heat for a few minutes, until it makes a sauce.  Pour the mixture into an 8 x 10” baking dish.

Combine the bread crumbs and Gruyère and sprinkle on top of the zucchini mixture.  Dot with 1 Tbsp butter cut into small bits.  Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and browned.

28 comments:

Valerie Gamine said...

Just looking at that Gruyère and bread-crumb crust is enough to make my stomach rubble with hunger! Love the touch of nutmeg too!

Bonnie said...

I will be pulling out my cookbook. This looks yummy! I too use zucchini year around. It is good no matter how it is cooked. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Bonnie

Natalie Aguirre said...

This looks like something I should try. Thanks so much.

Belinda said...

This kind of makes it into a fall dish!

Sue said...

Oh boy, does this look GOOD! Pure comfort food!

Louisa said...

Yum! I love zuccini (or courgette as I call it) at all times of the year, and this is so perfect for winter.

Anonymous said...

Mmm...this sounds wonderful with the Gruyere!

Unknown said...

Very yummy sounding! I love that zucchini is so readily available and often quite reasonable all year long!

Danielle's Sweets said...

This dish looks delicious! I would have this any time of year : ) The Gruyere cheese and bread crumbs sound so good. I can't wait to try it!

Danielle xo

Rita said...

this one got saved; I have zuchini in the fridge waiting for you recipe.
Rita

amy (fearless homemaker) said...

I agree - zucchini is one of my most-used veggies, too - i love its versatility! I've never tried it in a gratin but i do love other types of gratins, so i must try it soon!

Joanne said...

If only my brother liked zucchini, I'd definitely be serving this up for Thanksgiving! Sounds fabulous!

Katerina said...

I love zucchinis and this golden crust on top makes me want this gratin most desperately!

Choc Chip Uru @ Go Bake Yourself said...

Mmmm this is one zucchini recipe I need to try :D

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

Jemi Fraser said...

We're big fans of zucchini here - this sounds delicious!! :)

Food Gal said...

Any vegetable in a grain is a friend of mine. LOL Who can resist a cheesy, crisp crust, right? ;)

Stina said...

Gruyère? I'm sold. That looks so yummy!

Anonymous said...

I'm the only one in the house who will eat zucchini, but maybe that's a bonus with a great dish like this!

Vicki Bensinger said...

I love everyone of Ina's recipes that I've made. However, I've never made this one and it sounds so good especially with all that cheese. What's not to love. I'll have to try this one.

Andrea_TheKitchenLioness said...

Beth, I am sure I would adore your Zucchini Gratin. All the ingedients are delicious and I know that the recipes from Ina Garten are usually just wonderful! And who does not like recipes with that wonderful Swiss Gruyère?!

Anonymous said...

We get so much zucchini from the CSAs that I always have bags of it grated and frozen for the winter. Great idea for when my muffins get old!

Kitchen Riffs said...

I love to make gratins, but for some reason have never made one with zucchini. This would be perfect! What a great idea - thanks so much.

grace said...

oooh, gruyere. i love that stuff, and it's an excellent choice for topping a unique gratin!

Cucina49 said...

I use zucchini all year too--I refuse to confine them to summer cooking! This gratin looks delicious--you can never go wrong with an Ina-based recipe.

Elaine said...

My husband's favorite vegetable and I have run out of ideas, so I am happy to see this. It looks delicious!

Vi said...

I love zucchini too and I love gratins, but I have never had this. Such a good idea and perfect for the holidays :)

Angie's Recipes said...

The cheesy topping looks so inviting!

Unknown said...

Aren't Ina's cookbooks full of great recipes? I can see from your picture why this recipe is one I should try;-)

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