Zucchini Au Gratin
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Additional Time
30 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
315 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
French
Zucchini Au Gratin
Description
This Zucchini Au Gratin recipe starts with shredding zucchini and salting it to draw out excess moisture. The zucchini water is reserved to incorporate into a thickened, creamy sauce made with sautéed onions and garlic in goose fat, flour, white wine, half and half, and Parmesan cheese. Arborio rice is parboiled separately to retain some bite and added to the zucchini and sauce mixture.
The assemblage is baked in a greased casserole dish at high heat until bubbling and golden on top. The goose fat adds a pronounced savory richness, though half butter and half olive oil may be used instead. The finished gratin features a creamy texture with tender zucchini and onion layers, subtle wine acidity, and savory Parmesan crust, giving a complex vegetable side or main dish.
It can serve as a comforting vegetarian option or a complement to roasted meats. The mixture can be customized with additions like chopped leek for extra flavor complexity.
For a variation, chopped leek sautéed with the onions and garlic adds an additional savory note to the dish, rounding out the flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds zucchini , shredded
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 cup arborio rice produces the creamiest results, or Carnaroli rice
- 4-5 tablespoons goose fat highly recommended for the BEST flavor; can substitute half butter / half olive oil if preferred, or duck fat
- 1 1/2 cups yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cups zucchini water reserved
- 2 cups half and half or whole milk
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Shred the zucchini and place it in a big nonreactive bowl. Sprinkle and toss with the 3 teaspoons of salt. Let sit for 30 minutes. Working in batches and using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, wring out as much water from the zucchini in possible, reserving the zucchini water. Set aside. Prepare the Rice: Place the rice in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, drain thoroughly and set aside. The rice should be al dente. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 425 F. Grease a 9x13 or 3 quart baking dish.
- In a large saucepan or stock pot heat the fat or oil over medium high heat then add and saute the onions and garlic until soft and translucent and beginning to caramelize. Stir in the flour and continue to cook for another minute or two. Pour in the white wine and stir continually to prevent clumping followed by the reserved zucchini water and half and half. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to simmer and thicken. Stir in the zucchini, rice, salt and pepper. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
- Scoop the zucchini/rice mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and then drizzle with olive oil.Place the casserole on the middle rack and bake for 20-30 minutes or until bubbly and nicely browned on top.Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving or until any excess liquid is absorbed.Serve immediately. For a light dinner serve with a leafy green salad or serve as a side dish with meat, poultry or fish for a heartier meal.
Notes
- For added flavor, sauté chopped leek along with onions and garlic before adding flour.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 315 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 315kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 1036mg | 43% |
| Potassium | 996mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 917IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 58mg | 64% |
| Calcium | 385mg | 39% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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