Catch-all Veggie Gratin, for summer's bounty.
Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 8:12PM It happens to us all. The week goes by in a blink, a string of nights out with friends or working late. Suddenly, your CSA pickup is tomorrow and your fridge is still brimming with summer's bounty and leftovers.
There's hope! I invented what I call my "CSA casserole" or "catch-all veggie gratin" a month ago when company was coming and I had an abundance of kohlrabi, bok choy, parsley and all of those CSA staples. It just seemed natural to throw them all in a baking dish, toss with some onions, cheese and cream and bake. The result wass unexpectedly delightful — a summer veggie hash.
I know, baking is not everyone's favorite activity in this 90+ degree heat. But once a week, suffer through the hour of hot kitchen time so you can enjoy this dish all week. The steps are simple and the ingredients infinitely variable.
Catch-all Veggie Gratin
Start with a large baking dish that holds 4-6 cups, preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Veggies: Anything will do, even if they're cooked leftovers. I've used kohlrabi, bok choy, turnips, potatoes, kale and cauliflower, feel free to experiment. If you're cutting up larger veggies, cut into equal-sized slices or chunks. Onions, shallots or garlic to taste. I chop one or two onions to layer with the veggies and cheese.
Herbs. Parsley is great, the more the better. Any fresh herb should work. I also add dried thyme to the milk when I'm heating it.
Milk or cream. Heat two cups on the stove but do not boil. I tossed in some leftover ricotta for added richness.
Cheese. Any cheese you have lying around that can be grated is fine. Softer cheeses, like goat cheese or ricotta, can be melted into the milk when you heat it. You'll want about 1 1/2 cups.
- Layer the veggies and cheese, alternating so the cheese is the final, top layer.
- Pour in the hot milk or cream until it comes about 3/4 of the way up the baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes until golden on top.
When it's done you'll have lunches for a week, or a ready side dish to any dinner. Or, serve as the centerpiece accompanied by a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
CSA,
summer,
vegetables in
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