Zucchini Sformato Food

ZUCCHINI SFORMATO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 365FGenerously butter a 4-5 cup loaf pan or its equivalent in ramekins. .Slice the onion (or shallots or leek) and sauté in a pan with a film of olive oil.Clean and slice the zucchini (or other vegetable).When the onions are soft, add the zucchini to the pan.Sauté, stirring frequently for about 20-30 minutes until they are light golden and just tender.During this time, mix the ricotta, eggs, grated cheese, salt & pepper, nutmeg in a bowl, whisking until somewhat smooth.When the zucchini mixture is lukewarm, combine with the ricotta mixture and roughly purée with an immersion blender or a food processor.Spoon into prepared molds.Large mold will take up to 45 minutes to bake but individual ones will take less then 20 minutes.Check by inserting a thin knife as it should come out clean.Unmold when it is slightly cool, and serve with a sauce and garnish.

POTATO, ZUCCHINI, AND TOMATO GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange tomato halves, cut side up, on prepared sheet. Drizzle 1/2 cup olive oil over tomatoes; sprinkle with salt. Roast in oven until soft, about 1 hour. Cool slightly. Using fingertips, slip skins off tomato halves. Set tomatoes aside. Increase oven temperature to 375°F.
• Line another rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine potato slices and 1/4 cup olive oil in medium bowl; sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Arrange potatoes in single layer on prepared sheet; drizzle any oil from bowl over. Roast until soft and beginning to brown, about 25 minutes. Cool.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle zucchini with salt and pepper. Working in batches, add zucchini to skillet; sauté until lightly browned, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Cool.
• Lightly oil 13x9x2-inch ceramic or glass baking dish. Starting at outer edges of baking dish and working toward center, alternate potato slices, zucchini slices, and tomato halves, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then thyme leaves and Parmesan. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake gratin uncovered until cheese melts and juices bubble at edges, about 35 minutes.

ZUCCHINI-TOMATO FRITTATA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and chives.
• Set aside.
• In a 10-inch ovenproof non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
• Cook half the zucchini slices until tender, about 3 minutes, then move them to a small bowl.
• Repeat with the rest of the zucchini and reserve.
• Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and cook the onions, tomato and garlic for 5 minutes, or until the onions are tender.
• Return the zucchini to the skillet, evenly distributing it.
• Add the egg mixture, and cook for 3 minutes, or until the bottom of the frittata is just set.
• Place the frittata in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it is completely set and golden brown.
• Invert it onto a plate, cut into slices and serve.

OLD-FASHIONED ITALIAN ZUCCHINI FRITTERS

Steps:

• Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl with a wire whisk until smooth. Stir in the shredded and diced zucchini, then season with salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Add the flour a little at a time, stirring between additions until no dry lumps remain.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Drop the batter into the hot oil by the spoonful a few at a time making sure not to overcrowd the oil. Cook until the fritters are golden brown on each side, about 4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.