Creamy Zucchini Gratin

A spin on the traditional gratin, this version nixes the cream, adds the nuttiness of walnuts, and has a hint of olive oil. It takes a few moments to put together, and can easily be doubled to use up extra zucchini.

Creamy Zucchini Gratin 2

Creamy Zucchini Gratin

For the filling:
3 tablespoons medium extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 medium onions, chopped
4 medium zucchini, cut in 1/2-inch half-moons
2 tablespoons sorghum flour or other whole grain flour
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Fine sea or Himalayan salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
3/4 cup hot unsweetened nondairy milk (see Note)

For the topping:
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup sorghum flour or other whole grain flour
2 tablespoons large-flaked nutritional yeast
Fine sea or Himalayan salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 tablespoons medium extra-virgin olive oil

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Have a 9-inch deep dish pie dish ready.

To make the filling, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, cooking until softened and translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the zucchini and cook until softened, about 8 more minutes. Add the remaining oil, mixing well. Stir in the flour, nutmeg, and a few dashes of salt and grinds of pepper. Mix to coat. Slowly pour in the hot nondairy milk while stirring. Let cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Scrape the mixture into the prepared dish.

To make the topping, put the walnuts, flour, nutritional yeast, and a few dashes of salt and grinds of pepper in a food processor. Process until mixed and the walnuts are coarsely ground. Add the oil. Process for about 30 seconds until the mixture can stick together when squeezed in fingers. Evenly sprinkle the mixture over the zucchini.

Bake for about 16 to 18 minutes, until bubbly and the topping has browned. Let cool at least 20 minutes before serving, though it will thicken more as it stands. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Note: The best option for nondairy milk in this recipe is coconut milk beverage (in the carton), as it is fattier and richer, has produces a creamier (but neutral tasting) result.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Garlic Scapes

An easy summery side dish, garlic scapes add a mild garlic flavor to crispy twice-cooked potatoes accented by fresh oregano and thyme. When garlic scapes are young and tender, they can be used like green onions, but mature scapes should be cooked to bring in the tenderness.

On the potato front — these are my absolute favourite way to make them. Twice cooked and crispy edges with creamy insides, you’ll never want them any other way again.

IMG_1002.JPG

Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Garlic Scapes

1 pound small creamy flesh potatoes
1/4 cup (60mL) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
5 sprigs fresh oregano
5 sprigs fresh thyme
Sea or Himalayan salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
10 to 15 garlic scapes, cut into 2-inch pieces

Preheat the oven to 425F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Bring a large saucepan filled with water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the potatoes, cooking about 12 to 15 minutes, until just tender (not cooked-through). Drain well.

Transfer the potatoes to the baking sheet. Using your palm, smash the potatoes to about 1 1/2-inches thick. (If the potatoes are too hot, put a folded paper towel between your palm and the potato). Toss with 3 tablespoons of the oil, and sprinkle with the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping after about 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scapes and cook until lightly browned and tender, about 6 to 10 minutes. When the potatoes are finished, toss all ingredients together. Add additional salt, pepper, and herbs if desired. Serve warm.

IMG_1005.JPG

Grilled or Roasted Mediterranean Asparagus Salad

To round this recipe out to a full meal, add some tofu to the grill then toss with baby spinach before serving for a light summer salad—perfect for lunch. The instructions below are to roast the asparagus, but you can also grill it in a grilling basket or directly on the barbecue.

Mediterranean Asparagus Salad

Mediterranean Asparagus Salad

1 1/2 pounds (680g) asparagus, ends trimmed
1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons (45mL) extra virgin olive oil, divided
Fine sea or Himalayan salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup (60mL) chopped walnuts
1 small clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons (30mL) aged dark balsamic vinegar, plus more as needed
4 large roasted red peppers, chopped
1/3 cup (80mL) sliced kalamata olives
1/4 cup (60mL) sliced sundried tomatoes
1 tablespoon (15mL) capers
1/4 cup (60mL) chopped fresh basil

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Toss the asparagus and red onion with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 6 to 8 minutes, depending on the size, until it just starts to become tender. Remove from the oven and add the walnuts and garlic. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the balsamic vinegar, mixing to coat. Roast for an additional 4 minutes, until the walnuts are fragrant and the vinegar is no longer runny. Remove from the oven. Cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces. Scrape the asparagus, red onion, and walnuts into a large bowl.

Add the roasted red peppers, olives, sundried tomatoes, and capers to the bowl. Mix to combine, adding the remaining olive oil and additional balsamic vinegar, if desired. Stir in the basil. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Let stand at least 30 minutes before serving.