Zucchini is one vegetable I’m loving at the moment! I can’t seem to resist buying a bag whenever I go to the supermarket. It’s a vegetable that just screams summer; and can be prepared in so many delicious ways.
This gratin is definitely on the cosy side; with a rich cheesy sauce, salty bacon and buttery crumble on top. I used spelt flour in both the cheese sauce and the crumble topping; it’s got a beautiful nutty, earthy flavour and is very nutritious.
Make sure to slice the potato and zucchini paper-thin; this will not only ensure the vegetables cook properly, but will also create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
This recipe was first published in the Taupo Herald January 2023. I contribute recipes on a regular basis to this local publication, which will also be shared here on my website. Keep an eye out on each week’s publication for my newest recipes!
Zucchini, Potato & Bacon Gratin with Spelt Crumble
Course: Sides6-8
serves, as a side1
hour45
minutesA summery yet comforting dish. Paper-thin zucchini and potato slices are matched with a cheesy sauce, bacon and a dreamy crumble topping.
Ingredients
2 rashers smoked streaky bacon (125g)
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 small stick celery (50g), finely diced
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
25g butter
2 tbsp spelt flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup chicken stock
75g cheddar cheese, grated
1 tsp salt
300g zucchini, sliced 1mm thick
250g potatoes, sliced 1mm thick
- Crumble Topping
100g zucchini, finely grated
50g cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup spelt flour
1/4 cup oats
25g butter, softened
Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a 21cm square dish.
- Heat a little oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and crisp on both sides. Transfer bacon to paper towels, and keep bacon fat in the pan. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Add 1 tbsp water to the pan with the bacon fat, then return to a medium heat. Add onion, garlic and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
- Add butter, and when melted stir in spelt flour. Slowly add milk, whisking to ensure there are no lumps. Stir in chicken stock, bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir through chopped bacon and grated cheese.
- Combine zucchini and potato slices in a large bowl. Add a drizzle of oil and toss with your hands to coat.
- To assemble, lay a third of the zucchini and potato mixture in the bottom of your prepared dish. Top with a third of the sauce. Repeat twice until everything has been used up.
- To make the crumble topping, combine everything in a small bowl. Using your hands, rub the butter into the mixture until a crumbly mixture is formed. Evenly crumble over the top of the gratin and lightly drizzle with oil.
- Wrap with tin foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender and crumble topping is nicely browned. Serve hot.