Sunshine Summer Vegetable Gratin

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for Sunshine on a Plate!

Ever find yourself drowning in summer vegetables ? Seriously, what do you do with all those courgettes? Well, listen up! This Recipe: Summer Vegetable Gratin is your new best friend.

It's a simple way to use up that bounty and create something truly special.

A Taste of the Mediterranean

Think of this as a Mediterranean Vegetable Bake with a bit of French flair. The classic Gratin Dauphinois Vegetarian version gets a sunny makeover.

It’s easier than you think, and perfect for a casual potluck vegetable dish or a fancy dinner party. Ready in just over an hour, it serves about 6-8 people.

So gather your mates and get ready for some seriously good food.

Why You'll Love This Gratin

Honestly, this Vegetarian Gratin Recipe is all about flavour. The creamy sauce complements the baked vegetable medley perfectly. Plus, it's packed with nutrients! A creamy vegetable gratin dish, loaded with vitamins from the veggies.

It's a fantastic way to get your five-a-day. This makes a great summer vegetable side dish , as well as a tomato gratin addition.

Ready to get cooking? First, let’s check out the ingredients.

Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear for Our Summer Vegetable Gratin

So, you're ready to make this Recipe: Summer Vegetable Gratin ? Fab! It's easier than you think. Honestly, this is perfect for those "what do I do with all these veggies" moments.

It's like a warm hug, but in food form. Plus, it's a winner for potluck vegetable dishes !

Main Ingredients: Veggie Power!

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need for this bad boy. Getting fresh, quality ingredients is key here. Trust me, you'll taste the difference.

• Zucchini: 2 medium (about 1 lb / 450g ), thinly sliced. Look for firm zucchini with vibrant green skin.
• Eggplant: 1 medium (about 1 lb / 450g ), thinly sliced. Choose eggplants that feel heavy for their size.
• Tomatoes: 3 ripe (about 1.5 lbs / 680g ), thinly sliced. Tomato gratin needs good tomatoes, so pick the juiciest ones!
• Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 yellow (about 8 oz / 225g each), thinly sliced. Bright colours = happy flavours!
• Onion: 1 medium yellow (about 6 oz / 170g ), thinly sliced.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.

For the creamy sauce of this vegetarian gratin recipe :

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons .
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (25g) .
• Whole Milk: 2 cups (475ml) .
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) . This makes it a creamy vegetable gratin .
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated (25g) , plus extra.
• Gruyère Cheese: 1/4 cup grated (25g) .
• Breadcrumbs: 2 tablespoons (optional).

Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Boosters

These are the secret weapons. Don't skip 'em!

• Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried . Essential for that Mediterranean vegetable bake vibe.
• Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon dried . Adds a lovely savoury note.
• Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon , freshly grated. This gives it that warmth.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Get those seasonings right.
  • Quick sub: If you don't have thyme and oregano, Italian seasoning blend is a lifesaver!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

You don't need fancy gadgets for this easy summer gratin . Here's the essentials:

• 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
• Large skillet or saucepan.
• Whisk.
• Grater.
• Mandoline (optional). It will cut your prep time in half.
  • Household alternative: A sharp knife and some patience!

Now, this summer vegetable side dish is about to become your new best friend. Let's get cooking!

Alright, let's dive into how to make the perfect Sunshine Summer Vegetable Gratin ! This Vegetarian Gratin Recipe is like sunshine on a plate, honestly.

It’s the perfect way to use up all those gorgeous summer vegetables . And the best part? It’s way easier than it looks! I can't think of a better way to use a Tomato Gratin and celebrate summer.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organised. Slice 2 medium zucchini , 1 medium eggplant , 3 ripe tomatoes , 1 red bell pepper , 1 yellow bell pepper , and 1 medium yellow onion thinly.

I highly recommend a mandoline for even slices. This will help everything cook evenly, trust me! Mince 2 cloves of garlic .

This is your essential mise en place, and this Baked Vegetable Medley will have you singing along in no time.

Now, if you’re using eggplant, you might want to salt it for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Don't skip the salting stage, it helps prevent it from becoming mushy. Honestly, it makes a big difference in your Mediterranean Vegetable Bake .

step-by-step to Gratin Glory

1. Sauté the sliced onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil until softened in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook 'til fragrant, just about 1 minute.
2. Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened for about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese , 1/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese , 1 teaspoon dried thyme , 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano , 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg , salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Spread a thin layer of the sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer the sliced vegetables in overlapping rows. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the vegetables. This Creamy Vegetable Gratin is now coming together!
6. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional). Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 45- 50 minutes , until golden brown.
7. Rest and serve.

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Gratin

Want to level up your gratin game? Here's the secret weapon: a touch of nutmeg in the sauce. Oh my gosh, it adds such a warm, comforting flavour! Ensure to let the gratin rest for 10- 15 minutes before serving.

This helps the sauce thicken up and makes slicing easier. Perfect for Potluck Vegetable Dishes and makes slicing a treat!

If you are finding that the top is browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil, and consider swapping out your cheese for something else.

If you are going dairy-free, this is a great Gratin Dauphinois Vegetarian variation.

So there you have it! Your Recipe: Summer Vegetable Gratin is ready. It’s an Easy Summer Gratin and makes a beautiful Summer Vegetable Side Dish .

This is delicious, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Recipe: Summer Vegetable Gratin - Notes From My Kitchen!

Alright, so you’re ready to tackle my Recipe: Summer Vegetable Gratin ! Before you dive in, here are a few extra tips to make it a smashing success.

Honestly, even a simple Vegetarian Gratin Recipe can have its quirks, you know?

Level Up Your Serving Game

• Plating is Everything: Think about serving sizes. Serve warm, straight from the oven, garnished with fresh basil. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan never hurt anyone either. Get fancy and serve individual portions in ramekins!
• Sidekick Suggestions: A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. This Summer Vegetable Side Dish can also be a star on its own. Or, even pair it with grilled fish.

Storage Secrets

• Fridge Rules: Got leftovers? This Creamy Vegetable Gratin is delicious the next day. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing? Maybe Not: I wouldn’t recommend freezing the entire gratin. Dairy based sauces tend to separate and get a bit wonky when thawed. If you have to, portion it out first!
• Reheating 101: For reheating, pop it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave will do, but it won't be quite as good.

Veggie Variations

• dairy-free Delight: For a dairy-free version, swap the milk and cream for plant based alternatives. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavour.
• Seasonal Swaps: No tomatoes? No problem! Use roasted red peppers in winter for a similar vibe. It's a great way to customize your Baked Vegetable Medley.

Nutrition Snippets

• The Basics: This Mediterranean Vegetable Bake is packed with vitamins and fibre.
• Health Boost: It's a pretty good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Plus, it counts towards your five-a-day!

Okay, you're armed with all the insider info you need to make an amazing Easy Summer Gratin . Don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and remember even if it’s not perfect first time around, you've got something delicious to enjoy.

My friends love when I bring Potluck Vegetable Dishes like this to gatherings, especially this Tomato Gratin . Now, go get baking! If you are feeling extra french why not try and make a Gratin Dauphinois Vegetarian style.