NFL

Copycat Ina Garten’s Zucchini Gratin Recipe

Summer is in full swing, and with it comes an abundance of fresh zucchini overflowing from farmer’s markets and gardens alike. While zucchini is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in countless ways, sometimes you crave a comforting and cheesy dish that highlights its delicious flavor. Enter Ina Garten’s zucchini gratin recipe.

What Is Ina Garten’s zucchini gratin?

Ina Garten’s zucchini gratin is a delicious and comforting dish made with fresh zucchini, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy topping. It’s a classic Barefoot Contessa recipe known for its rich flavors and elegant presentation.

Ingredients:

The Base:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter (¾ stick)

  • 1 pound yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced (around 3 large onions)
  • 2 pounds zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds (approximately 4 zucchinis)

Seasoning:

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

The Creamy Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup hot milk

The Cheesy Topping:

  • ¾ cup fresh breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work well for extra crisp)
  • ¾ cup grated Gruyere cheese
  • Extra butter for topping

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Sauté: Get your oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). Melt the butter over low heat in a large (ideally 12-inch) sauté pan. Add the sliced onions and slowly cook for 20 minutes, aiming for tender but not browned onions.
  2. Incorporate the Zucchini: Add the zucchini slices once the onions are softened. Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes, until tender.
  3. Season and Thicken: Uncover the pan and add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for extra 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Now, sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and toss to coat them evenly.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Slowly pour in the hot milk, whisking constantly to incorporate it with the flour and vegetables. Continue cooking on low heat for a few minutes until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the zucchini mixture to an 8 x 10-inch baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the grated Gruyere cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this cheesy mixture evenly over the zucchini in the baking dish.
  6. Brown the Top: Dot the top of the gratin with small pats of butter for extra richness and a golden brown finish.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Bake the gratin in the oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Tips:

  • Salting the Zucchini: Some chefs recommend salting the sliced zucchini and letting them sit for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the pan. This draws out some excess moisture, which can help prevent the gratin from becoming watery. Simply pat the zucchini dry with paper towels before adding them to the onions.
  • Cheese Substitutes: While Gruyere cheese is a classic choice for its nutty flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try a combination of Gruyere and Parmesan, or swap the Gruyere for fontina or Comté cheese.
  • Leftovers: This gratin reheats well in the oven. cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) until warmed.

What To Serve With

Seafood

Salmon
  • Baked Salmon: A baked salmon fillet with a lemon-dill sauce or a honey mustard glaze pairs beautifully with the gratin.
  • Grilled Salmon: The grilled salmon’s smoky flavor adds a delicious contrast to the creamy gratin.
Shrimp
  • Garlic Butter Shrimp: Quick and easy garlic butter shrimp adds a touch of elegance and richness to the meal.
  • Shrimp Scampi: The bright, garlicky flavors of shrimp scampi with a hint of lemon perfectly balance the gratin.

Vegetarian Options

Mushroom Risotto: The earthy, rich flavors of mushroom risotto pair well with the creamy, cheesy zucchini gratin, creating a comforting and satisfying vegetarian meal.

Lentil Stew: A hearty lentil stew with vegetables and spices provides a protein-rich vegetarian option that complements the Ina Garten’s zucchini gratin.

Side Dishes

Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a slight vinaigrette helps balance the gratin’s richness. Add ingredients like arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple lemon vinaigrette.

Bread
  • Crusty French Baguette: Perfect for mopping up any extra cheese sauce from the gratin.
  • Garlic Bread: Adds a flavorful, crunchy side that pairs well with the Ina Garten’s zucchini gratin..
Vegetables
  • Roasted Vegetables: A combination of roasted veggies, including bell peppers, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, adds color and texture to the dish.
  • Steamed Asparagus: Light and healthy, steamed asparagus with a drizzle of lemon or hollandaise sauce complements the gratin without overpowering it.

Wine Pairing

White Wine
  • Chardonnay: A buttery, oaked Chardonnay complements the creamy texture of the Ina Garten’s zucchini gratin..
  • Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc balances the richness of the Ina Garten’s zucchini gratin.
Red Wine
  • Pinot Noir: A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir with its fruity and earthy notes pairs well with the gratin and most meats.
  • Merlot: Soft and smooth, Merlot works well with beef or pork dishes served alongside the gratin.

Health Benefits

Zucchini

  1. Low in Calories: Zucchini is generally low in calories, making it a perfect addition to a balanced diet. A cup of sliced zucchini has about 19 calories.
  2. High in Fiber: Zucchini is high in dietary fiber, which assists digestion, helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels, and gives a feeling of fullness, all of which can help greatly in weight management.
  3. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:
    • Vitamin C: Essential for immune function, skin health, and collagen production.
    • Vitamin A: Important for vision, immune function, and skin health.
    • Potassium: Aids in maintaining normal blood pressure and proper heart function.
    • Folate is necessary for cell division and DNA synthesis, especially during pregnancy.
  4. Antioxidants: Zucchini contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which benefits good eye health and may help protect against age-related eye diseases.

Onions

  1. Rich in Nutrients: Onions are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, B, and C, yet low in calories.
  2. Antioxidants: Onions contain antioxidants like quercetin, which have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
  3. Heart Health: Compounds in onions, such as sulfur, can aid in decreasing the risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels and improving functions of the blood vessels.

Gruyere Cheese

  1. Protein: Cheese is a great source of protein, which is necessary for maintaining muscle mass and for the synthesis and repair of bodily structures.
  2. Calcium: Gruyere cheese is rich in calcium, crucial for bone health, nerve transmission, and muscle function.
  3. Phosphorus: Functions in harmony with calcium to strengthen teeth and bones.

Milk (used in the béchamel sauce)

  1. Calcium and Vitamin D: Essential for strong bones and teeth, milk provides a good source of these nutrients.
  2. Protein: Helps with muscle repair and growth.
  3. B Vitamins: Including B12 and riboflavin, which helps in producing energy and healthy nerve cells maintenance.

Butter and Flour (used in the béchamel sauce)

  1. Butter:
    • Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are important for different bodily functions.
    • Healthy Fats: Provides essential fatty acids for brain function and cellular health.
  2. Flour:
    • Carbohydrates: Provides energy to the body.

Panko Bread Crumbs

  1. Low in Fat: Panko bread crumbs are typically lower in fat than traditional bread crumbs.
  2. Adds Fiber: Depending on the type used, panko can add a small amount of dietary fiber to the dish.

Overall Benefits

  1. Balanced Nutrition: Combining vegetables (zucchini and onions), dairy (cheese and milk), and grains (panko bread crumbs) provides a well-rounded nutritional profile with proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
  2. Gut Health: The fiber from zucchini and onions helps in digestion and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
  3. Satiety: The combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats helps promote a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
  4. Eye Health: Antioxidants from zucchini and onions contribute to maintaining healthy vision.

Final Thoughts

Ina Garten’s zucchini gratin is more than just a side dish, it’s a testament to the magic of simple, quality ingredients come together under expert guidance. This dish combines the humble zucchini with a creamy, cheesy béchamel sauce and a crispy panko topping, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated.

More Sauce Recipes:

[penci_recipe]

Related Posts

Post Comment

You May Have Missed