Description
Herb-infused zucchini and tomato bake delivers Mediterranean comfort straight to your plate. Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a light yet satisfying dish you’ll savor with each flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 3 medium zucchini (1.5 lbs/680 g; about 5 cups), sliced into 1/2 inch thick quarters
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus additional to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan, freshly grated (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, creating an optimal roasting environment for the vegetables.
- Carefully slice zucchini into half-inch thick quarters, maintaining structural integrity while ensuring even cooking. Arrange zucchini and cherry tomatoes in a spacious baking dish.
- Distribute minced garlic, dried basil, parsley, salt, and pepper evenly across the vegetables. Drizzle olive oil generously, then thoroughly toss to ensure complete herb and seasoning coverage.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. During this initial cooking phase, zucchini will begin softening and tomatoes might start to burst, releasing their natural juices.
- Remove the dish, stir the vegetables gently to promote uniform cooking. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top if desired, creating a golden, crispy layer.
- Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts completely and turns golden brown. Zucchini should reach a tender, perfectly roasted consistency.
- Allow the dish to rest for a brief moment, reducing the intense heat from the freshly roasted vegetables before serving.
Notes
- Choose zucchini that are firm and have smooth, unblemished skin for the best texture and flavor.
- Slice zucchini evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
- Use fresh herbs if possible, as they’ll provide a more vibrant and intense flavor compared to dried herbs.
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast.
- Customize the dish by adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp directly to the baking dish for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg