Ingredients

1/2 cup bulgur
2 lbs zucchini , peeled and thinly sliced
2 lbs tomatoes , thinly sliced
1 eggplant , peeled and thinly sliced
5 cloves crushed garlic
6 ounces swiss cheese , shredded
4 tablespoons parsley , chopped
salt , to taste
pepper , to taste
2 teaspoons olive oil
Low Fat Tomato and Zucchini Summer Gratin is a healthy and flavorful main dish, perfect for a summer evening dinner. It’s a great way to use up all the seasonal vegetables in your fridge like zucchini and tomatoes, and the wholesome bulgur adds more nutrients to the dish. This dish is also low on fat, making it ideal for those who are mindful of their calorie intake. The dish is layered with a combination of vegetables bathed in garlic, salt, and black pepper, and baked until the veggies are fully cooked. The final topping of grated Swiss cheese takes this dish to the next level by making it more flavorful. The fresh parsley added as garnish at the end gives the dish a bright, herbaceous flavor. This gratin tastes great and is simple to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for anyone who wants a healthy and delicious meal.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2.In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil and stir in bulgur. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 12 minutes until the bulgur is tender and the water is absorbed. Set aside.
3.In the prepared baking dish, layer the sliced zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, seasoning each layer with salt, pepper, and garlic.
4.Once all vegetables are layered and seasoned sprinkle the bulgur over the top.
5.Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the bulgur and vegetables.
6.Bake for 45 – 50 minutes, until vegetables are tender and the bulgur is golden brown.
7.Remove from the oven and sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the top. Return to the oven for 10 minutes to melt cheese.
8.Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

PROS

This dish is packed with nutritious vegetables, vitamins and fiber making it a healthier option.
It is also low in fat, making it ideal for those who are trying to be more health conscious.
It is a great way to add more vegetables to your diet.

CONS

This dish might be a little bit time-consuming to prepare.
It contains cheese, which can be a source of unhealthy saturated fats and calories.
Therefore, it should be included in moderation in balanced diets.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Combining vegetables like tomatoes and zucchinis offer a great source of antioxidants, and vitamins such as A, C, and K. Bulgar is a great source of fiber, which helps to keep your digestive system healthy. Olive oil contains healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties that help against heart disease and diabetes. Swiss cheese has a rich content of protein and calcium, which makes it great for bone health.

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