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Zucchini & Chard Gratin

Ingredients

  • 1 lb zucchini , seeded if very large (6 oz net once grated, salted and water pressed out)
  • about 1 tsp salt
  • 1 bunch chard (about 1/2 lb)
  • 2 slices thick-cut bacon , chopped to about 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion , diced
  • 1 small bunch parsley , about 1/3 cup chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves , peeled
  • 1 oz (1/2 cup) freshly grated hard cheese, such as parmesan 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 eggs (4 oz), lightly beaten
  • 1 tbsp butter + extra for greasing the dish

Instructions

  1. Grate the zucchini and toss in a large bowl with 1 teaspoon salt.
  2. Transfer to a colander and allow to drain for 30 minutes.
  3. If chard is frozen, roughly chop and suspend in another colander to drain.
  4. After 30 minutes, squeeze remaining water from zucchini (and thawed chard, separately) by wrapping the vegetables in a clean kitchen towel and twisting (like wrapping a hard candy) until you squeeze out as much water as possible.
  5. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, fry bacon, tossing frequently, until browned and slightly crispy.
  6. Add onions, stir to coat in bacon grease and sauté until softened, about 6 "“ 8 minutes. If chard is fresh, chop to bite-sized pieces, and add to the onions & bacon, tossing to coat.
  7. Sauté until just wilted, about 2 "“ 3 minutes, then remove skillet from heat.
  8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  9. Add parsley and garlic to the bowl of a food processor, and pulse a few times until well chopped.
  10. To a large bowl, add spinach, bacon/onion mixture, chard, parsley + garlic persillade, black pepper and half of the grated cheese.
  11. Mix thoroughly; taste and adjust salt and other seasonings.
  12. Add eggs and mix well.
  13. Grease a casserole dish with butter. Pack the zucchini mixture into the dish, then top with remaining grated cheese.
  14. Melt 1 tbsp of butter and drizzle over the top.
  15. Bake in preheated oven until top is nicely browned, about 40 "“ 45 minutes.