Name: Gratin de Courgettes Léger
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Française
Ingredients: 2 courgettes grandes, coupées en fines tranches; 1 cuillère à soupe d’huile d’olive; 1 petit oignon, haché finement; 2 gousses d’ail, émincées; 1 tasse de lait faible en gras (ou bouillon de légumes); 2 cuillères à soupe de farine tout usage; 1/4 tasse de fromage Parmesan râpé; Sel et poivre au goût; Herbes fraîches (comme le thym ou le persil), hachées (facultatif)

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Gratin de Courgettes Léger: A Guilt-Free Delight of Summer Flavors ☀️🌿🧀

1. Introduction

Looking for a delicious and healthy way to enjoy summer’s bounty? This gratin de courgettes léger (light zucchini gratin) is the answer! It’s a flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to make and won’t weigh you down. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this gratin de courgettes léger is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a wonderful way to sneak in those extra veggies, and even picky eaters will enjoy its creamy, cheesy goodness. Get ready to savor the simple yet satisfying flavors of this classic French dish, made lighter and healthier without sacrificing taste. This gratin de courgettes léger recipe is all about celebrating fresh ingredients and wholesome cooking. Peut-être après ce gratin, vous aurez envie d’un soufflé au chocolat léger pour le dessert?

Finished Gratin de Courgettes Léger with a golden crust, perfect for a light meal.

2. What Makes This Gratin “Léger”?

The term “léger” in French means “light,” and this gratin de courgettes léger truly lives up to its name. Traditional gratins often include heavy cream and lots of cheese. This recipe cleverly reduces the fat and calories by using a lower-fat milk (like skim or 1%) or even a vegetable broth to create the creamy sauce. A modest amount of cheese is used, focusing on flavor rather than volume. By making these smart substitutions, you get all the comforting satisfaction of a classic gratin but in a much healthier package. The key is to balance the richness with fresh flavors, making this gratin de courgettes léger a guilt-free pleasure. Using fresh herbs can also enhance the flavor, allowing you to use less cheese and still achieve a delicious result. Explore more delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes on our dedicated recipes page.

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful gratin de courgettes léger:

2 large zucchini, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-fat milk (or vegetable broth)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley), chopped (optional)

4. Equipment Needed

Cutting board
Knife
Large bowl
Skillet or saucepan
Whisk
8×8 inch baking dish

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Wash and thinly slice the zucchini. Vous pouvez également consulter cette recette alternative pour plus d’inspiration. You can use a mandoline for even slices. Place the zucchini slices in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step is crucial for preventing a watery gratin de courgettes léger. After 20 minutes, pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels.

Thinly sliced zucchini on a cutting board for Gratin de Courgettes Léger preparation.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Set aside. Ce gratin de courgettes léger est une excellente option pour le dîner, tout comme ce tajine de poulet aux courgettes et tomates.

Zucchini slices coated with salt in a bowl, ready for Gratin de Courgettes Léger.

Step 3: Make the Light Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually add the low-fat milk (or vegetable broth), whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Add the fresh herbs, if using. This light cream sauce is what makes this gratin de courgettes léger so delicious without being heavy. Pour plus d’idées de repas légers, jetez un coup d’œil à notre catégorie dîner.

Creamy mixture being prepared for Gratin de Courgettes Léger on the stove.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Grease the baking dish. Arrange a layer of zucchini slices in the bottom of the dish, followed by a spoonful of the sautéed onion and garlic mixture and a drizzle of the cream sauce. Repeat layers until all the zucchini and sauce are used, ending with a layer of sauce. Sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the gratin de courgettes léger is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving. Si vous cherchez une salade rafraîchissante pour accompagner ce plat, essayez notre salade de pâtes au jambon et œufs durs.

Baking dish prepared with zucchini and cream mixture for Gratin de Courgettes Léger.

6. Tips for the Perfect Gratin de Courgettes Léger

Don’t skip the salting step: This helps remove excess moisture from the zucchini, preventing a soggy gratin.
Use fresh ingredients: The flavor of fresh zucchini, herbs, and garlic will shine through.
Adjust the cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere or mozzarella would also be delicious.
Add a breadcrumb topping: For a crispy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese over the gratin before baking.
Make it ahead: You can assemble the gratin de courgettes léger ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

7. Serving Suggestions

This gratin de courgettes léger is delicious on its own as a light lunch, or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. On peut tout aussi bien envisager un baba au rhum généreux pour une autre fois. It pairs well with a simple green salad and a crusty baguette. You can also serve it with a tomato-based sauce for added flavor. The possibilities are endless!

8. Variations

Add other vegetables: Bell peppers, tomatoes, or mushrooms would be great additions to this gratin.
Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Use different herbs: Rosemary, oregano, or basil would also work well.

9. Conclusion

This gratin de courgettes léger is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of summer in a healthy and satisfying way. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a side dish that everyone will love, this recipe is a winner. En parlant de desserts, pourquoi ne pas essayer une crème brûlée croquante ou une tarte au citron meringuée la prochaine fois ? So, gather your ingredients and whip up this delectable gratin de courgettes léger today. Et si les pommes sont de saison, laissez vous tenter par une tarte aux pommes rustique. Bon appétit! Et pour une occasion spéciale, pensez au saint honoré raffiné !