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Baked Zucchini with Rice and Mushrooms: A Nutritious and Delicious Dish


  • Author: Annabel
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

A wholesome and comforting dish that combines tender zucchini, earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked rice. This flavorful casserole is the perfect balance of textures and tastes, ideal as a main course or a hearty side dish. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and a surefire crowd-pleaser!


Ingredients

  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 sweet pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • 100 grams rice
  • 200 ml water
  • 200 ml cream
  • 150 grams mushrooms, sliced
  • Olive oil for cooking and greasing
  • A bunch of parsley (optional), chopped
  • 150 grams hard cheese, grated
  • Mayonnaise sauce, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Wash the zucchini and slice it into rounds or half-moons. Chop the sweet pepper and onion, and slice the mushrooms. Grate the cheese and set aside.

2. Cook the Rice:

  • In a saucepan, bring 200 ml of water to a boil. Add the rice, a pinch of salt, and reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until tender. Set the cooked rice aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Sauté the onion until translucent. Add the sweet pepper and mushrooms, cooking for 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and ground black pepper.

4. Combine Rice and Vegetables:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with the sautéed vegetables. Mix well to ensure even flavor distribution.

5. Prepare the Zucchini Base:

  • Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on the bottom of the dish. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

6. Assemble the Dish:

  • Spread the rice and vegetable mixture evenly over the zucchini.
  • Drizzle the cream over the mixture, letting it seep through.
  • Sprinkle the grated cheese on top and add dollops of mayonnaise sauce for extra creaminess.

7. Bake the Dish:

  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

8. Garnish and Serve:

  • Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for variety.
  • Cheese Substitutions: Try mozzarella for a gooey texture or Parmesan for a nutty flavor.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate; bake fresh when ready to serve.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean