This gorgeous dish is one of my all-time favorites. It’s so simple, healthy and easy to make, yet incredibly flavorful and delicious. It can be served as a side dish but it also stands on its own. I ran out of potatoes on the evening I prepared and photographed this dish, so I served it over a bed of fluffy basmati rice flavored with a pat of butter, salt and herbs de provence and it was a hit with my husband and kids. The key to this recipe is using a good quality olive oil and fresh, local ingredients from the Farmer’s market, if possible. I can pretty much guarantee you will love this dish as much as we do!
Ingredients
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, halved and sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound medium round potatoes, unpeeled
- 3/4 pound zucchini
- 1 1/4 pounds medium tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs
- 2 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated (optional)
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Brush a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking dish with olive oil. In a medium saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook the onions over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Spread the onion mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Slice the potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes in 1/4-inch thick slices. Layer them alternately in the dish on top of the onions, fitting them tightly, making only 1 layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme leaves, and thyme sprigs and drizzle with 1 more tablespoon of olive oil. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Uncover the dish, remove the thyme sprigs, sprinkle the cheese on top if desired, and bake for another 30 minutes until browned. Serve warm.
Recipe via Ina Garten