This Baked Zucchini with Spinach and Cheese Filling is a delightful dish combining fresh vegetables, rich cheeses, and a flavorful vegetable sauce. Perfect for a light dinner or an elegant side dish, this recipe features layers of tender zucchini, a flavorful spinach and cheese filling, and a tangy vegetable sauce. Here’s how to create this healthy and delicious dish step by step.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Base:
- Zucchini: 4 medium-sized
- Water: 1 liter (34 fl oz)
- Salt: To taste
- Olive Oil: For greasing
- Dried Basil: To taste
For the Tomatoes:
- Tomatoes: 4, cut into rounds
- Salt: To taste
- Ground Black Pepper: To taste
- Herbs de Provence: To taste
For the Filling:
- Fresh Spinach: 150g (5.3 oz), chopped
- Cheese: 100g (3.5 oz), grated
- Garlic: 1 clove, crushed
- Salt: To taste
- Herbs de Provence: To taste
- Mozzarella Cheese: 200g (7 oz), cubed
- Marina Sauce: To taste
- Parmesan Cheese: 40g (1.4 oz), grated
For the Sauce:
- Olive Oil: For frying
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Red Sweet Pepper: 1, coarsely chopped
- Cherry Tomatoes: 200g (7 oz), halved
- Tomato Sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: To taste
- Ground Black Pepper: To taste
- Ground Red Pepper: To taste
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 350 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 9g
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Zucchini Base
- Slice and Soak the Zucchini:
- Cut the zucchini into slices and place them in a bowl of salted water. Let them stand for 15-20 minutes to help draw out excess moisture.
- Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Slice the tomatoes into rounds. Season with salt, ground black pepper, and Herbs de Provence. Set aside.
- Assemble the Zucchini Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the first layer of zucchini slices neatly on the sheet, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with dried basil.
- Add a second layer of zucchini, repeating the brushing and seasoning.
- Bake the zucchini slices for 20 minutes, or until they are slightly golden and tender.
2. Preparing the Spinach and Cheese Filling
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped fresh spinach, grated cheese, and crushed garlic. Season with salt and Herbs de Provence. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Assembling the Dish
- Layer the Zucchini and Filling:
- After the zucchini has baked, arrange the slices in a fan shape or layers in a baking dish.
- Fill the layers with the spinach and cheese mixture. Place the seasoned tomato rounds on top, followed by cubes of mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with three more slices of roasted zucchini, brush with Marina sauce, and repeat the layering process. Finally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Dish:
- Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 30 minutes at 200°C (390°F), or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
4. Preparing the Vegetable Sauce
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Add the minced garlic, coarsely chopped red sweet pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes. Fry for 5-7 minutes on low heat, until the vegetables are soft.
- Season with salt, ground black pepper, and ground red pepper.
- Blend the Sauce:
- Once the vegetables are cooked, transfer them to a blender. Blend until smooth to create a vegetable puree.
- Pour the sauce into a serving dish or dressing glass.
5. Serving the Dish
- Plating:
- Serve the baked zucchini with spinach and cheese filling hot, accompanied by the vegetable sauce. Drizzle the sauce over the zucchini or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for an added touch of freshness and flavor.
Conclusion
This Baked Zucchini with Spinach and Cheese Filling is a healthy, flavorful, and elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender zucchini, rich cheese, and savory vegetable sauce creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Serve it with love, and enjoy the great taste and grace that this dish brings to your table.
