▪ Good olive oil ▪ 2 large yellow onions, cut in half and sliced ▪ 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning (divided) ▪ 2 garlic cloves, minced ▪ 1 pound medium round potatoes, unpeeled ▪ 3/4 pound zucchini ▪ 1 1/4 pounds medium tomatoes ▪ 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt ▪ 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste ▪ Sprinkle of crushed red pepper, optional
and/or to taste ▪ 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs ▪ 4- 6 ounces seasoned roast chicken, dark meat preferred (optional – for those who want a vegetarian entrée) ▪ 2-4 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (to taste – adjust based on your cheese preference) Equipment used: Mandoline (optional), saute pan, baking dish, cutting board, chef’s knife, cheese grater.
Directions ▪ Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. ▪ Brush a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with olive oil. In a medium saute pan, heat 2 table-
Sprinkled with cheese
spoons of olive oil and cook the onions over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until translucent. Add half of the Creole seasoning and stir. 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 one layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, remaining Creole Seasoning, crushed red pepper, if using, 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. (Prick the potatoes with a fork to make sure they are tender. Bake a few minutes longer if needed.) Uncover the dish, remove the thyme sprigs, and sprinkle the cheese on top. Bake for another 30 minutes until browned. If chicken or protein will be added, only sprinkle half of the cheese over the vegetables and bake 15 minutes. Add chicken and remaining cheese. Bake the remaining 15 minutes until browned. Serve warm. ■
Tira Collins is the owner of Comfort N Spice Personal Chef Service, a member of the American Personal Chef Association, fully insured and is licensed by the State of Illinois. Chef Tira combines her love of food and cooking with the desire to help others enjoy healthy and flavorful food. www.comfortnspice.com