It looks like a dip doesn’t it? I guess that might be an idea. This dish can be served as a hearty and healthy appetizer, with a little modification of course. If the ingredients were all chopped small, then offering the Gratin with crudités or crackers might prove to be the hit of the party.
Serves 4 – as a meal
- 8 – 12 oz Smoked Trout, peel off back skin and break into pieces.
- 4 TBS extra virgin olive oil – separated
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bunch (about 8 – 10) green onions, chopped and use both white and green parts.
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- black pepper
- 1 TBS each: thyme, oregano, basil
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/8 inch circles
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced 1/8” circles
- 6 fresh plum tomatoes *I used one 15 oz can of Fire Roasted diced tomatoes since I didn’t have the fresh plum toms. on hand. – Improvise!
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Heat oil in a skillet over medium low heat and add all onions, and peppers. Cook for 20 minutes, stir often. Add the garlic and cook another 3 minutes. Transfer to a 9 x 11 gratin dish and spread evenly over the bottom. Add the crumbled smoked fish. Season with 1/8 tsp pepper and HALF of the herbs.
Preheat oven to 400 F.
Arrange slices of zucchini, over lap edges, in rows across gratin dish on top of fish and vegetables. Repeat with squash and tomatoes. *If using canned tomatoes, you can drizzle in between the rows of zucchini and squash. Make sure entire surface is covered.
Sprinkle with remaining herbs and drizzle with remaining olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 40 minutes. Allow to rest 5 minutes and serve.
You might notice I sprinkled the top with grated Italian cheese. I allowed it 10 more minutes in the oven, just to brown. It was SO GOOD!
Something warm and filling is needed this time of year. The weather is still cold in the Northeast. The snow is still falling and the wind is still blowing. When the situation forces exposure to the elements then the only way to cure the chills is by a good, hot dish of healthy food.
…. and a warm cup of cocoa.
How are you staying warm this winter?
