Baked Zucchini (Italian Style with Tomatoes - Side Dish)
User Reviews
4.9
Baked Zucchini (Italian Style with Tomatoes - Side Dish)
Description
Baked Zucchini (Italian Style with Tomatoes - Side Dish) begins with zucchini sliced thinly and salted to draw out water, which is then squeezed and dried to avoid sogginess. Cherry tomatoes are halved and tossed with olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper for a bright, seasoned topping. The zucchini slices are layered in an olive oil–coated baking tray with a scattering of fresh breadcrumbs made from older bread to add texture and a crispy crust.
Baking at a high temperature produces tender zucchini slices with browned, crunchy breadcrumbs on top, contrasting softness and slight crispness. The dish showcases a balance of fresh tomato acidity, olive oil richness, and aromatic oregano flavor in a baked vegetable side.
Using quality, fresh ingredients enhances the flavor, and salting the zucchini is important to limit water content and keep the topping crisp. The homemade breadcrumbs provide a personal touch and texture that compliments the soft vegetable layers.
Ingredients
Prepare Zucchini:
- 1 ½ lbs zucchini (one larger more mature, or two small to medium-sized)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (generous amount for salting)
Prepare Tomatoes:
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 15 cherry tomato cut in half, or a few good quality canned tomatoes, like Mutti
- ¼ tsp oregano a few shakes, dried
- ⅛ tsp black pepper to taste
- ⅛ tsp salt (to taste)
Baked Zucchini:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs from a somewhat older loaf of bread, fresh
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (drizzle on the tray)
- ⅛ tsp salt (to taste)
- ⅛ tsp black pepper to taste
- ½ Tbsp wine vinegar (a few splashes, good quality Italian- preferably 6% acidity)
Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini (Salting Zucchini):
- If using an older zucchini, slice it in half and remove the core/seeds. Cut into thin slices (see how my Mum did it).
- If using younger zucchini, cut into ¼" (½ cm) slices.
- Layer into a colander in the sink and sprinkle generously with Kosher salt.
- Place a plate and weight on top of the zucchini to help push out the liquid, and leave for 15 minutes. Now remove the plate and squeeze the water out by hand or in a cloth. Repeat with the rest of the slices. Dry the zucchini in a paper towel.
Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Put the tomatoes, fresh or canned, into a bowl.
- Add the extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried oregano and mix well.Taste to see if it needs more salt.
Assemble the Ingredients for Baked Zucchini:
- At this point, preheat the oven to 450℉ (235℃).
- Prepare a tray or trays/pans by drizzling some extra virgin olive oil on the bottom of them. Sprinkle with some of the fresh homeade breadcrumbs, then begin arranging, slightly overlapped the pieces. Continue until a layer is complete.
- Sprinkle the zucchini generously with breadcrumbs, dot with the cherry tomatoes and the juice. Then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
- Now comes that splash of vinegar. I love a really strong Italian wine vinegar (at least 6% acidity).
- Pop into the hot oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until breadcrumbs are crispy and tomatoes are blistered.
- Serve hot, although it's not bad at room temperature, but to be honest.
Notes
- Use fresh, quality zucchini and tomatoes for best flavor.
- Salting and draining the zucchini prevents a watery dish and helps the topping crisp while baking.
- Homemade breadcrumbs create a better texture than store-bought varieties.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 240 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 240kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Sodium | 945mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 624mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 619IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 43mg | 48% |
| Calcium | 86mg | 9% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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