Are you tired of boring, predictable vegetarian dishes that lack excitement? Prepare to be amazed by the Zucchini and Rice Tian, a stunning French-inspired recipe that turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. This elegant dish combines layers of tender zucchini, perfectly seasoned rice, and melted cheese into a culinary experience that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe promises to elevate your meal game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and slice them into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick using a sharp knife or mandoline.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onions, and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grease a medium-sized baking dish with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Layer half of the zucchini slices on the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping them to create an even surface.
- Spread the rice and onion mixture evenly over the zucchini layer.
- Top the rice layer with the remaining zucchini slices, arranging them in an attractive, slightly overlapping pattern.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly across the top of the zucchini layers.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 35 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the tian rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Serve hot as a main vegetarian dish or as a delightful side accompaniment to proteins.
Tips
- Slice zucchinis uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even, thin slices that cook consistently.
- Don't rush the onion sautéing: Take time to caramelize onions for deeper flavor complexity.
- Season generously: Layer salt and pepper between each ingredient to enhance overall taste.
- Choose the right cheese: While the recipe suggests grated cheese, experiment with gruyère or parmesan for added depth.
- Let it rest: The 5-10 minute resting period is crucial for allowing layers to set and flavors to meld.
- For extra crispiness, consider broiling the top for 2-3 minutes after baking to achieve a golden, crisp cheese crust.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
