Ingredients:( 6 servings)
4 zucchini, sliced
4 tomatoes, sliced
1 liter water
Salt
Olive oil
Fresh basil leaves
150g spinach, chopped
100g cheese, grated (any melty cheese you like!)
1 clove garlic, minced
Provençal herbs (to taste)
200g mozzarella cheese, cubed
Marinara sauce (store-bought or your own recipe – see below)
40g Parmesan cheese, grated
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
200g cherry tomatoes, halved
Olive oil
3 tablespoons tomato paste
Salt, pepper, paprika
Directions:
Prep the zucchini:
Whisk salt into water and soak zucchini slices for 15-20 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
Layer the first half:
Line a baking dish with baking paper. Drizzle olive oil and arrange half the zucchini slices. Top with basil, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Provençal herbs.
Spinach and cheese layer:
Mix chopped spinach, grated cheese, minced garlic, and Provençal herbs. Spread half over the vegetables.
Finish layering:
Top with half the mozzarella cubes, marinara sauce, remaining zucchini, remaining spinach mixture, remaining mozzarella, and another layer of marinara sauce.
Bake: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake at 200°C for 30 minutes.
Sauté (optional): While the casserole bakes, heat oil in a pan. Sauté onion, garlic, and red pepper for a few minutes. Add cherry tomatoes, cook for a few more minutes, then stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, and paprika. Blend the mixture into a sauce.
Assemble and bake again: After 30 minutes, take out the casserole. Top with the optional sautéed sauce and bake another 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and enjoy! Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips and Tricks:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and basil make a big difference in the flavor of this dish. Try to get the freshest produce available.
Cheese Selection: For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses. Mozzarella adds a great melty texture, while Parmesan provides a nice sharpness.
Layering Technique: Be sure to layer the ingredients evenly to ensure each bite is packed with flavor. Press down gently after each layer to compact the ingredients.
Homemade Marinara: For an extra homemade touch, prepare your own marinara sauce. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes, and simmer with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar for 20 minutes.
Herb Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Thyme, oregano, or rosemary can add unique flavors to the dish.
Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestion: Pair this casserole with a light green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, use plant-based cheese and ensure your marinara sauce is free of animal products.