Introduction
Looking for a delicious and comforting dish that celebrates the wonderful flavors of zucchini? This casserole combines tender zucchini with creamy rice and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2-2½ pounds zucchini (yellow squash or a blend of yellow and green zucchini)
– 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (not Minute Rice)
– 1 cup diced onions
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 large cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tablespoons flour
– 1¼ cups whole milk
– 1 cup reserved zucchini juice
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Prep Time
Preparation for this dish takes approximately 20-30 minutes, allowing time for the zucchini to drain and the rice to cook perfectly.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 30-40 minutes, so the total time for this recipe is approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, yielding around 6-8 servings, depending on portion size.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the casserole dish
Spray a large (8-10 cup) casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 400°F and position the oven rack in the upper third of the oven.
Prepare the zucchini
Trim the stem and tip from each zucchini. Gently scrub and peel the zucchini. Note: If unpeeled, the casserole will have a greener color.
Grate the zucchini
Grate the zucchini using a food processor or the coarse side of a grater.
Drain the zucchini
Place the grated zucchini in a large colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and toss to combine. Let it drain for at least 10 minutes or overnight (covered).
Squeeze out excess juice
Line a baking sheet with three layers of paper towels. Squeeze the grated zucchini by handfuls to remove excess juice, reserving 1 cup of the zucchini juice.
Prepare the zucchini for baking
Spread the squeezed zucchini on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with two layers of paper towels, press down, and set aside.
Cook the rice
Cook the rice according to package directions, reducing the cooking time by 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir.
Cook the onions
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onions and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
Add garlic and zucchini
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring continuously. Add the prepared zucchini and cook for 5-6 minutes until almost tender.
Incorporate the flour
Sprinkle the mixture with flour, stir well, and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
Combine with milk and zucchini juice
Warm the milk and the 1 cup reserved zucchini juice in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add this to the zucchini mixture, stirring until well incorporated.
Add the rice
Return the pan to medium-low heat, add the partially cooked rice, and cook for about 5 minutes until most of the excess liquid has reduced.
Season and mix
Remove from heat, stir in ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Transfer to casserole dish
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Bake the casserole
Bake for 30-40 minutes at 400°F until bubbly and the top is golden brown. If the top is pale, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely until it turns golden brown.
Notes
Zucchini Preparation
If you prefer a milder flavor, removing the skin of the zucchini is recommended, although it will give the dish a greener hue if left on.
Rice Cooking Time
Be sure to follow package instructions carefully and adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking the rice.
Finishing the casserole
Monitor the casserole closely towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t over-brown and remains moist inside.
Cook techniques
1. Grating Zucchini
Use a food processor or the coarse side of a box grater to grate the zucchini, which will help to incorporate it into the dish and enhance the texture.
2. Draining Zucchini
Sprinkle grated zucchini with kosher salt and let it drain in a colander. This step removes excess moisture, preventing the casserole from becoming soggy.
3. Cooking Rice
Cook the rice according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes to ensure it doesn’t become too soft when baked in the casserole.
4. Sautéing Onions and Garlic
Cook diced onions over medium-low heat until tender and lightly browned before adding minced garlic. This technique brings out the flavors and aroma.
5. Thickening with Flour
Sprinkling flour onto the sautéed vegetable mixture helps thicken the sauce. Cook it for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flavor of the flour.
6. Incorporating Liquids
Warm the milk and reserved zucchini juice before adding to the mixture. This helps to blend the liquids smoothly with the other ingredients.
7. Baking
Bake the casserole until bubbly and the top is golden brown. If browning is insufficient, broil it briefly while watching closely to avoid burning.
FAQ
Can I use different types of squash?
Yes, you can use yellow squash, green zucchini, or a blend of both based on your preference.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
You can substitute with another type of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, but this will alter the flavor profile slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What is the purpose of squeezing the zucchini?
Squeezing the zucchini removes excess moisture, which helps prevent the casserole from becoming watery and enhances the overall texture.
Conclusion
The zucchini casserole is a delightful dish that showcases the fresh flavors of zucchini and combines them with creamy texture and cheesy goodness. This recipe is not only simple to make but also versatile, allowing for various modifications and ingredient substitutions to suit your preferences. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a perfect side dish or a satisfying main course. Enjoy the comforting tastes and the abundance of nutrients it offers.
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