Of all of the zucchini casserole recipes on the market, it is laborious to search out one which is not swimming in cheese and buried in breadcrumbs. That is why recipe developer Tess Le Moing determined to remodel this typically uninspired casserole by including totally different layers of Mediterranean taste. Whereas all of us love a tacky, meaty casserole, it is good to even have lighter, extra nutritious choices made with complete meals. So, for those who’re in search of a vegetarian casserole that is heavier on the veggies and lighter on the cheese, this one’s for you. 

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The primary layer is a vibrant lemon rice that is baked immediately within the casserole dish, which saves you an additional pot to scrub. Subsequent, calmly mashed chickpeas are blended with contemporary tomatoes for added protein. And eventually, the casserole is topped with the star of the present, zucchini. Thinly sliced, sauteed, and tossed with a number of contemporary herbs, this in any other case mildly flavored vegetable is given a brand new life earlier than it is completed off with crumbled feta. It is the proper dish for summer time when tomatoes and zucchini are at their peak taste, and Le Moing strongly advises utilizing produce from the farmer’s market. Simply double the recipe to maintain you fed all week or for those who’re feeding a crowd.

This casserole is manufactured from three layers: rice, chickpeas, and zucchini. For the primary layer, you may want long-grain rice, water, salt, turmeric, garlic, and lemon. Le Moing advises in opposition to substituting with one other rice due to the actual oven-cooking methodology. Should you do want to use a distinct rice, cook dinner it individually in a rice cooker or pot. For the second layer, you may want olive oil, pink onion, chickpeas, and diced tomatoes. You possibly can add floor meat like turkey or hen if you would like a extra filling meal. And for the final layer, you may want extra olive oil, zucchini, pink pepper flakes, and plenty of contemporary herbs like parsley, dill, and mint. Decide zucchini which might be smaller in dimension. Not solely do they style higher, however in addition they make it simpler to rearrange a good looking shingle impact. Earlier than popping the casserole within the oven, remember to high it with crumbled feta and extra contemporary herbs.

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Regulate the oven rack to the center place and warmth the oven to 350 F.

Add the rice to a 7 x 11-inch baking dish.

Carry the water to a boil, pour it over the rice, and canopy the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake till the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Stir within the salt, turmeric, garlic, zest of 1 lemon, and ½ tablespoon lemon juice.

Warmth olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high warmth.

Add the pink onions and saute till translucent.

Add the chickpeas and three tablespoons chickpea liquid, and simmer till softened, coarsely mashing about half of them.

Stir within the tomatoes and salt.

Unfold the chickpea combination over the rice.

Wipe the skillet clear and warmth the remaining olive oil over medium-high warmth.

Add the zucchini, salt, and pink pepper flakes and saute for about 3 minutes.

Stir in parsley, mint, and dill.

Layer zucchini slices on high of the chickpea combination, overlapping to create a shingle impact.

Sprinkle feta on high of the zucchini and bake for 10 minutes till the feta is warmed by means of.

Garnish with herbs and serve with lemon wedges.

Whereas this mild summer time zucchini casserole is a whole meal by itself, you can too serve it with different aspect dishes or accompaniments for a extra filling and well-rounded dinner. You possibly can’t go flawed with a light-weight and crisp aspect salad with a lemon or balsamic French dressing. A basic Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, pink onion, and olives will add a pleasant cooling distinction to the nice and cozy and comforting bake. An alternative choice is a platter of grilled or roasted summer time greens like bell peppers, eggplant, or asparagus. If you would like one thing extra substantial, this casserole pairs splendidly as a aspect with a protein like roast hen or fish. Tilapia, cod, or halibut are all nice choices. 

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To boost this zucchini casserole additional and make it a extra interactive expertise, you’ll be able to serve it with a wide range of totally different sides, tapas-style. Suppose stuffed grape leaves, heat pita bread drizzled with olive oil and za’atar, tzatziki dip, and hummus. To retailer the casserole, cowl the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Retailer within the fridge for 4 to five days. Reheat in a 350 F oven for quarter-hour or reheat a portion of it on a plate within the microwave. 

Should you’re seeking to substitute feta cheese in your layered zucchini casserole, a number of options will nonetheless present a flavorful and satisfying dish. Crumbled goat cheese is a superb choice, including a tangy and creamy texture relying on the type you get. For a milder style, ricotta or cottage cheese can be utilized. Their creamy consistency works properly when unfold or dotted excessive of the casserole, and as ricotta bakes it takes on an exquisite texture. To make it dairy-free, use a vegan feta or cashew sauce to drizzle on high. 

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When substituting the long-grain white rice, totally different rice or grains can be utilized, however the cooking methodology and time could change. For instance, brown rice requires an extended cooking time, as much as 1 hour. Some other white rice, like basmati or jasmine, can have comparable cooking instances. Quinoa, a more healthy selection, must be rinsed properly to take away any bitterness after which baked for about 20 minutes. Should you want a quicker-cooking grain, couscous is ideal, solely taking about 5 to 10 minutes. When doubtful, merely cook dinner your rice in a rice cooker or based on the package deal directions to make sure it are cooked correctly.