One Pan Gratin

If you are like me, you've hopped on the #zoodle bandwagon. Or maybe you're just constantly lured by the over-abundance of (inexpensive) zucchini and squash this time of year at the farmer's market. BUT WHAT THE HELL DOES ONE DO WITH SO MUCH ZUCCHINI??? I find myself asking the same question at least once a week. I can really only eat so many zoodles.

The vision of a one-pan gratin can to me in the night. No—not really! But that sounded poetic. It was more of quest to see what in my fridge I could top with cheese and breadcrumbs. Well, what do you know—a pound of zucchini waited patiently in the crisper drawer, yearning to be topped ever so effortlessly with salty-crisp breadcrumbs and a delicate snowfall of Pecorino Romano. Enough talk—let's eat.

you'll need...

1 large zucchini Scant 1/4 cup of seasoned GF breadcrumbs (if you don't have or can't find, fear not. see below) 1 teaspoon of olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons (or more) or Pecorino Romano to make...

Slice zucchini into 1/4 inch half moons. Sauté zucchini in olive oil over medium heat until soft, but not mushy. Don't overcook! While zucchini cooks, toast 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs in the toaster oven on low. (Line the little baking sheet with tinfoil and toast on there.) Watch these too—don't let them burn. (I sense a theme to this meal...) You just want them a little golden. If your breadcrumbs are not already seasoned, sprinkle on some salt and pepper before toasting. Once zucchini has softened, and is beginning to turn translucent, immediately remove from heat and place in shallow serving dish. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs (or a little more if you'd like) onto the zucchini, and top with cheese while still warm. It should melt the cheese, but if you want it a little more toasty, you could toast it for a minute or two in the oven, or even the toaster oven, until the top is slightly golden (PSA: I did not personally attempt this, but I'm sure it would work). The beauty of this dish is that you don't NEED to turn on the oven during the summer to enjoy a gratin. But hey, this is America! Do whatever floats your boat. Serves two as a side.

#glutenfree #zucchini #easy #sidedish #italian