Courgette au fromage

Courgettes au fromage is a delightful dish where zucchini is baked with a cheesy topping, creating a flavorful and comforting side dish or even a light main course. Here's how you can prepare it:

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized zucchinis (courgettes)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 150g (about 1 1/2 cups) of grated cheese (Gruyère, Parmesan, cheddar, or a mix)
• 100g (about 1 cup) of breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs (like parsley, thyme, or basil), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 100ml (about 1/2 cup) of heavy cream or crème fraîche for added creaminess

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Zucchini:

   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
   • Wash the zucchinis and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.

2. Sauté the Zucchini:

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Add the zucchini slices to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and become slightly golden. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Prepare the Baking Dish:

   • Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.
   • If you prefer a creamier dish, you can pour the heavy cream or crème fraîche into the bottom of the baking dish before adding the zucchini.

4. Layer the Zucchini:

   • Arrange the sautéed zucchini slices in the baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
   • Sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the zucchini. If using, also sprinkle half of the breadcrumbs.

5. Bake the Dish:

   • Add another layer of zucchini slices on top, followed by the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
   • Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the top.

6. Bake:

   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

7. Serve:

   • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
   • Serve warm as a side dish with meat or fish, or enjoy it as a vegetarian main course with a side salad.

Enjoy your delicious courgettes au fromage!