Herb-Infused Zucchini Delight
Ingredients:
4 zucchini, sliced
4 tomatoes, sliced
1 liter water
Salt
Olive oil
Fresh basil leaves
150g spinach, chopped
100g cheese, grated (any melty cheese you like!)
1 clove garlic, minced
Provençal herbs (to taste)
200g Feta cheese, cubed
Marinara sauce (store-bought or your own recipe – see below)
40g Parmesan cheese, grated
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
200g cherry tomatoes, halved
Avocado oil/sesame oil any oil
3 tablespoons tomato paste
Salt, pepper, paprika
Directions:
Prep the zucchini: Whisk salt into water and soak zucchini slices for 15-20 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
Layer the first half: Line a baking dish with baking paper. Drizzle olive oil and arrange half the zucchini slices. Top with basil, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Provençal herbs.
Spinach and cheese layer: Mix chopped spinach, grated cheese, minced garlic, and Provençal herbs. Spread half over the vegetables.
Finish layering: Top with half the Feta cubes, marinara sauce, remaining zucchini, remaining spinach mixture, remaining Feta, and another layer of marinara sauce.
Bake: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake at 200°C for 30 minutes.
Sauté (optional): While the casserole bakes, heat oil in a pan. Sauté onion, garlic, and red pepper for a few minutes. Add cherry tomatoes, cook for a few more minutes, then stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, and paprika. Blend the mixture into a sauce.
Assemble and bake again: After 30 minutes, take out the casserole. Top with the optional sautéed sauce and bake another 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and enjoy! Let cool slightly before serving.