Summery Zucchini Parmigiano ~ Vegan

                                                        

Summery Zucchini Parmigiano

This fresh, warm-weather take on the classic casserole uses heirloom Romanesco zucchini and sweet Roma tomatoes to highlight the best of the season. The zucchini is quickly salted to draw out excess moisture, allowing the breading to cling better and crisp up beautifully when fried. Romanesco zucchinis are distinguished by the telltale ribbing that runs lengthwise along the fruit.

Ingredients:

Roma Tomato Sauce

2 1/2 lbs (1.13 kg) Roma (plum) tomatoes, halved widthwise2 tbsp (30 mL) extra virgin olive oil

2 large garlic cloves, smashed, thinly slice

2 tbsp (30 mL) tomato paste

2 large basil sprigs

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Zucchini Cutlets

2 medium Romanesco or green zucchini, each about 12 oz

   350 gr. trimmed

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

3/4 cup (175 mL) all-purpose flour

3 large eggs

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) dried breadcrumbs

1/4 cup (60 mL) finely grated Parmesan

3/4 cup (175 mL) canola oil

1 ball (125 g) fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-size pieces

Basil leaves to garnish

Directions:                                                                                                 For the tomato sauce, coarsely grate tomato flesh into a large bowl. (Discard skins or save for vegetable stock.) You should have about 4 cups (1 L) pulp. Set aside.

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add garlic. Cook, stirring often, until garlic is soft and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Stir in tomato pulp and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is saucy and reduced to about 3 cups (750 mL), 25 to 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning, if necessary. Discard basil.

For the cutlets, working lengthwise, thinly trim two edges of zucchini to flatten surfaces. Save for another use. Slice zucchini in same direction, into 1/2-inch (1-cm) thick slices—you should have about eight slices total. Cut each slice crosswise in half on bias. Transfer to a large, rimmed baking sheet. Season both sides generously with salt. Arrange in an even layer and let stand until liquid is released, 25 to 30 minutes.

Place flour in a shallow dish. Season with pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk eggs. In a third shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan.

Set a wire rack on countertop. Shake off excess liquid from zucchini, then pat dry on paper towel, firmly pressing to remove as much liquid as possible. Working with one slice at a time, dredge zucchini in flour mixture, turning to coat. Shake off any excess, then dip into egg mixture. Let excess drain back into the dish, then dip into breadcrumb mixture, patting to coat fully. Transfer to wire rack and repeat with remaining zucchini.

Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook zucchini, flipping halfway through, until deeply golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer with tongs to a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet.

Rewarm tomato sauce over medium heat. Spread three quarters of sauce over the bottom of a large platter. Arrange zucchini overtop. Spoon remaining sauce over zucchini. Top with mozzarella. Season with pepper and garnish with basil. Serve immediately.   Serve with Rose Wine