Zucchini e Pomodori Gratinati (Zucchini and Tomato Gratin)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 zucchini , sliced
• 1 large clove garlic , crushed
• 4 ounces thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
• 4 large tomatoes , peeled and sliced
• 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Move the oven rack into the top third of the oven.

2. 2

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and spread zucchini slices into the skillet in a single layer. If they don't fit, cook them in batches. Sprinkle pieces of garlic over zucchini, and cook until zucchini are golden brown on both sides, about 8 minutes per side. Remove from heat.

3. 3

   Arrange slices of zucchini in a 9x12-inch glass baking dish, alternating with slices of mozzarella cheese and tomato, so that the slices overlap each other in a neat row pattern.

4. 4

   Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and basil over the dish, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

5. 5

   Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and brown and the dish is bubbling, about 30 minutes.