Thursday, July 10, 2008

Zucchini Parmesan.

Zucchini is commonly thought of as a vegetable, and in layman's parlance, of course, this is more useful; however by strict definition the zucchini is a fruit, being the swollen ovary of the zucchini flower ~ Wikia

I stopped by the Coit Road Farmers Market yesterday to pick up some produce, and couldn't resist picking up some more zucchini. Here is yet another way to enjoy this summer squash.

Zucchini Parmesan

Recipe:

1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup chopped garlic scapes
6 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce
6 oz. tomato paste
2 tsp. dried Basil
2 tsp. dried Oregano
Salt & Pepper, to taste
5 large zucchini
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in heavy duty pot. Add scapes and mushrooms and cook until tender. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside and keep warm.

Cut zucchinis lengthwise into 5 slices. Cook in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Spread 2 cups tomato mixture in bottom of a 9x12 baking dish. Place half of the zucchini slices over sauce, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle half of mozzarella and parmesan cheese over zucchini. Repeat layers, topping with remaining tomato mixture. Sprinkle top layer lightly with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

Bake uncovered in a 350 degree oven 30 to 40 minutes, or until lightly browned.

16 comments:

PGL said...

Looks pretty tasty Mom. Save me a plate...lol

OhioMom said...

No problem, what time will you be here ?

:)

Michelle said...

This looks fabulous! About 15 years ago I was on overload with zucchini and this is about the only way I like it now!

OhioMom said...

I love zucchini, I just chop it up raw in my salads, pastas etc.

shambo said...

I simply cannot figure out my weakness when it comes to summer squash. Every time I see it, I buy it! Then I have to figure out a new way of using it. Thanks for the inspiration. I've got some more squash in the fridge waiting for me to cook. This looks like a good idea.

OhioMom said...

LOL Sue ... I go to the farmers market and before I know it I have two bags of produce, everything just looks so good after a winter without .... and Ohio-grown corn is in now, of course I bought some ... now what to cook ?

Lucy said...

YUMMY LICIOUS! That's the way I prefer a parmesan, you can always count on a zucchini!! ;-)

Priscilla said...

i love zuchinni...looks great! the farmers market sure looks like it supplies with your great vegetables!

OhioMom said...

Lol Lucy ... I am gonna grow some next year ... go up little vine, go up :)

Priscilla

Our farmers market is a "real" one only selling locally grown produce ... :)

Lisa said...

Looks delicious! You reminded me how much I love zuchhini!

OhioMom said...

Thanks Lisa, and thanks for stopping by.

Kevin said...

Zucchini parmesan is a great idea and it looks really tasty!

giz said...

This I would make - and I love zucchini, vegetable, fruit...it's all good.

Hey - what's all this talk about swollen ovaries?

OhioMom said...

Thanks Kevin ...

Giz .. LOL, you are the only one who caught that, I found that info on Wikia and thought it was interesting.

Bike Verve said...

It was delicious! My stomach highly recommends!

OhioMom said...

Thanks Mel ... :)