Baked Zucchini and Tomato Fan Casserole

Baked Zucchini and Tomato Fan Casserole

Ingredients:

• • 3 young zucchini, sliced into finger-like strips, keeping them attached at the base
  • 3-4 tomatoes, sliced into thin rounds

• • 200g (7 oz) cheese, grated (choose your favorite, like mozzarella or cheddar)
  • Salt, to taste
  • 7 tablespoons sour cream

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Smoked paprika, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Set your oven to 200°C (390°F) to preheat while you prepare the ingredients.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

• • Wash the zucchini and carefully slice them into finger-like strips, making sure to keep the base intact so the zucchini holds together like a fan.

• Slice the tomatoes into thin rounds.

3. Arrange in the Baking Dish:

• • Gently fan out the zucchini slices in a baking dish. Tuck tomato slices in between the zucchini “fingers,” spacing them evenly.

4. Season the Vegetables:

• Lightly sprinkle salt and smoked paprika over the arranged zucchini and tomato slices.

5. Make the Garlic Sour Cream:

• In a small bowl, combine the sour cream with the minced garlic. Stir until well mixed.

6. Add the Sour Cream Mixture:

• • Spoon the garlic sour cream mixture evenly over the vegetables in the baking dish, making sure to cover the zucchini “fingers” and tomatoes.

7. Top with Cheese:

• Generously sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the zucchini and tomatoes.

8. Bake:

• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

9. Serve:

• • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve warm as a beautiful and delicious side dish or light meal.

Cooking Tips:

• • Cut Carefully: When slicing the zucchini, ensure that you don’t cut all the way through the base so that the “fingers” remain attached.
  • Cheese Variations: Mix and match different cheeses for added depth of flavor.
  • Sour Cream Alternatives: Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream for a lighter option.

Nutritional Benefits:

• • Zucchini: Low in calories, rich in vitamins, and high in fiber.
  • Tomatoes: Contain antioxidants like lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
  • Cheese: Provides protein and calcium.

Dietary Information:

• • Vegetarian: Yes
  • Gluten-Free: Yes (ensure the sour cream is gluten-free)
  • Dairy-Free: No (contains cheese and sour cream)

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.