Potato and Zucchini Layered Dish

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Delicious potato and zucchini layered dish with fresh herbs

Potato and Zucchini Layered Dish

This hearty Potato and Zucchini Layered Dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for any meal, it also makes for a fantastic vegetarian main course. Satisfying and easy to prepare, this recipe combines potatoes, zucchini, and savory toppings to create a dish that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious layered dish.

Ingredients

US Measurements:

  • 4-5 medium potatoes (about 600g), grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 8 tbsp all-purpose flour (120g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large zucchini (about 300g), grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 150g mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced
  • 100g beef or ham, diced
  • 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 150ml sour cream
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 small cucumber, finely diced

European Metric:

  • 4-5 medium potatoes (about 600g), grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 120g all-purpose flour (8 tbsp)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large zucchini (about 300g), grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 150g mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced
  • 100g beef or ham, diced
  • 30-45ml vegetable oil (2-3 tbsp)
  • 150ml sour cream
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 small cucumber, finely diced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Base

Start by grating the potatoes. Once grated, place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes with 1 egg, 4 tbsp (60g) of flour, and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat, then spread the potato mixture evenly in the skillet. Press down gently to form a solid base.

Step 2: Add the Zucchini Layer

Grate the zucchini and, similar to the potatoes, remove excess liquid by squeezing it in a kitchen towel. In a separate bowl, mix the grated zucchini with another egg, 4 tbsp (60g) of flour, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Spread the zucchini mixture evenly over the potato base in the skillet.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they turn golden brown. Next, toss in the diced beef or ham and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Season this mixture with salt and pepper, then evenly distribute over the zucchini layer. Top with the tomato slices, drizzling a little oil over the top.

Step 4: Cook the Dish

Cover the skillet and cook the layered dish over low heat for about 12-15 minutes. Carefully flip the dish over (you can use a plate to help with this) and cook uncovered for another 10-12 minutes, allowing the bottom to become golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the sour cream, chopped dill, mustard seeds, diced cucumber, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, cut the layered dish into wedges and serve hot, basking in the delightful flavors with the fresh sauce on the side.

Nutritional Information & Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Approximate Calories: 350 per serving (may vary based on ingredients used)

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  1. Potato Drainage: Ensure you squeeze out as much liquid from the grated potatoes and zucchini as possible. This prevents a soggy dish and helps maintain a crispy texture.

  2. Variations with Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like carrots or bell peppers in both the base and topping for added nutrition and flavor.

  3. Cheese Addition: For an extra creamy and cheesy texture, sprinkle some grated cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) on top of the dish before the final cooking step.

Possible Variations

  1. Vegetarian Delight: Omit the beef or ham and opt for roasted vegetables or your favorite plant-based protein instead. This keeps the dish entirely vegetarian while still being filling and flavorful.

  2. Mediterranean Twist: Substitute the sour cream sauce with a yogurt sauce flavored with garlic, lemon juice, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flair. Adding feta cheese on top before serving will also enhance the flavors beautifully.

Enjoy your homemade Potato and Zucchini Layered Dish, bursting with flavors and perfect for any occasion!