Description
Rich, creamy jamie oliver courgette gratin celebrates summer’s zucchini harvest with a simple yet elegant French-inspired side dish. Cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs create a golden, crispy topping that elevates garden-fresh vegetables into a memorable meal you’ll want to savor again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 800 g (28.2 oz) courgettes, sliced
- 75 g (2.6 oz) gruyère cheese, grated
- 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) crème fraîche
- 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) milk
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tsp flour
- Thyme leaves
- Basil leaves
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F), or 180°C (356°F) for convection, positioning rack in the middle for uniform heating.
- Sautéing Technique: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, adding thinly sliced courgettes with fresh thyme and basil, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- Vegetable Cooking: Simmer courgettes covered for 10 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even softening, then transfer to an oven-safe baking dish in a single layer.
- Creamy Sauce Creation: Whisk crème fraîche, whole milk, and flour until silky smooth, then pour evenly over the courgettes, creating a rustic coverage.
- Finishing Touch: Sprinkle a generous layer of grated cheese across the surface, then bake for 25 minutes until the top turns golden-brown and edges become deliciously bubbly.
Notes
- Slice Evenly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to cut courgettes into uniform thin rounds, ensuring consistent cooking and professional presentation.
- Layer Carefully: Spread courgettes in a single layer to maximize heat exposure and prevent soggy, uneven texture during baking.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality melting cheeses like Gruyère or Comté for rich flavor and golden-brown topping that elevates the dish.
- Moisture Control: Pat courgettes dry before cooking to reduce excess water and prevent a watery gratin, maintaining a creamy, luxurious consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: UK
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 186
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg