Description
This Zucchini Tian is a naturally healthy, comforting baked dish featuring tender zucchini layered with aromatic onion and garlic, creamy Parmesan cheese, and tender rice. Lightly seasoned and baked to a golden finish, it’s a perfect low-fat, satisfying side or vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 kg (2 lb) zucchini, sliced
- 1 brown onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids
- 2 1/2 cups warm liquid (zucchini juices plus milk), heated in a pan
- 3 tbsp olive oil, separated
Other Ingredients
- 2/3 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup medium grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini and onion: Wash and slice the zucchini into even pieces. Finely dice the brown onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.
- Cook the onion and garlic: Heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Make the warm liquid: In a separate pan, combine the zucchini juices (extracted by salting sliced zucchini and letting sit for 15 minutes, then squeezing out the liquid) with milk. Heat gently until warm but not boiling.
- Combine ingredients with rice and flour: In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, flour, salt, pepper, and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Gradually stir in the warm zucchini juice and milk mixture, mixing well to combine.
- Arrange zucchini slices in baking dish: Grease a baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil. Layer the sliced zucchini snugly in the dish in an even layer.
- Pour rice mixture over zucchini: Evenly pour the rice and liquid mixture over the arranged zucchini slices in the dish.
- Top with remaining parmesan and olive oil: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top and drizzle the final 1 tbsp of olive oil evenly over the surface.
- Bake the tian: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the prepared dish uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender and the top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the tian rest for 5-10 minutes to set before serving warm. Enjoy as a light main or flavorful side dish.
Notes
- To extract zucchini juices, sprinkle sliced zucchini with salt and let sit for 15 minutes, then squeeze to collect the liquid for the warm milk mixture.
- Medium grain white rice is preferred for texture; rinse before use if desired.
- You can substitute parmesan with pecorino or a vegetarian hard cheese if needed.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste before baking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be gently reheated.
