Provençal Tomato and Squash Gratin

Some of the tomatoes in this gratin are cooked down to a savory sauce, while the rest are sliced and used to decorate the top.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• ½ medium or 1 small onion
• ½ pound summer squash (1 good-size zucchini, for example), cut in 1/2-inch dice
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, or 1 teaspoon crumbled dried thyme
• 1 cup cooked rice, farro or barley
• 3 eggs
• 2 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (1/2 cup)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons slivered or chopped fresh basil leaves

• Nutritional Information

  • Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

    188 calories; 10 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 5 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 16 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 5 grams sugars; 8 grams protein; 103 milligrams cholesterol; 167 milligrams sodium

  Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.
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6 servings

Preparation

1. Peel and seed half the tomatoes, and chop fine. Slice the rest and set aside. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Oil a 2-quart gratin or baking dish.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large, heavy nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until it is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, stir together for about 30 seconds, until it begins to smell fragrant, and stir in the squash. Cook, stirring often, until the squash is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and the thyme, season with salt and pepper, raise the heat slightly and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down and smell fragrant, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the rice or other grains and remove from the heat.
3. Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Stir in the cooked vegetables, salt and pepper to taste, and the cheese and combine well. Scrape into the gratin dish.
4. Slice the remaining tomatoes and cover the top of the gratin in one layer. Drizzle on the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Bake 45 minutes, or until the top is browned and the gratin is sizzling. Remove from the heat and allow to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle the basil over the top. Serve hot, warm or at room temperature.

• Advance preparation: The vegetables can be cooked through Step 2 several hours before you assemble the gratin. They can be held in the pan on top of the stove or refrigerated overnight. The finished gratin keeps well for 3 or 4 days.

1 hour 45 minutes