| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 12g | 4g | 43g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 5g | 14g | 0.87g |
Why I Love Italian Vegan Gluten-Free Grilled Zucchini Parmigiana
I’ve always found that cooking isn’t merely about the food on your plate, but the journey taken to get it there. One such journey led me to the culinary treasure that is the Vegan Gluten-Free Grilled Zucchini Parmigiana. There’s something exhilarating about taking simple everyday ingredients and transforming them into a dish that makes your taste buds sing. Now, this may not be a native Southern recipe I grew up with, but it sure won me over with its flavors.
Forging a Connection with Italian Cuisine
Fond of my Southern roots, I love experimenting and infusing my dishes with diverse flavors. This journey led me to the Italian kitchen, quenching my thirst for vibrant savory dishes always full of life. One of my favorite influences is the renowned Italian chef bGino D’Acampo. His zest for cooking and passion for Italian tradition often inspire my culinary creations. Borrowing from his philosophy, I stumbled upon the idea of creating a vegan, gluten-free version of the traditional Parmigiana.
Unforgettable Flavors
This Vegan Gluten-Free Grilled Zucchini Parmigiana is unique in its combination of flavors. Packed with bubbling vegan cheese and layered with crispy zucchini, the Parmigiana is a beautifully balanced work of art. Perfect for a family dinner or a big get together, this dish brings everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma and looks. While not a typical Southern dish, the comforts it brings are universal.
Thinking about pairing options? Let me guide you towards a refreshing Quinoa Salad or a Vegan Caesar Salad; either would complement the rich flavors of the Parmigiana by offering a touch of freshness. And to round it off, how about a light, fruity Vegan Tiramisu as dessert? Sounds delightful, doesn’t it?
While food is universal, to me, it’s also intensely personal. It’s about capturing memories, traditions, and a sense of home, even if that home is halfway across the world. The Vegan Gluten-Free Grilled Zucchini Parmigiana may not be steeped in Southern tradition, but it embodies my journey of exploring diverse cuisines. The delightfulness of this unusual, yet comforting, dish is my love letter to Italian cuisine, blending it lovingly with my vegan and gluten-free preferences. And I believe it could be yours too.
What You’ll Need
- 3 Large Zucchinis
- 2 cups Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Ground Flaxseed
- 6 tbsp Water
- 1.5 cups Gluten-Free Flour
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1.5 cups Vegan Parmesan Cheese
- 3 cups of Gluten-Free Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups Vegan Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
- Olive Oil for drizzling
- 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Basil for garnish
- 1 tbsp Dried Italian Seasoning
Method
Step One
Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium heat. In the meantime, slice your zuchhinis lengthwise, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Set them aside.
Step Two
In a shallow dish, mix together the gluten-free breadcrumbs, 1 cup of the vegan parmesan cheese, and the dried Italian seasoning.
Step Three
In a separate dish, mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This will serve as your vegan ‘egg’ mixture.
Step Four
In another dish, combine the gluten-free flour, salt, and black pepper.
Step Five
Start the breading process by dipping each zucchini slice into the flour mixture, then the flaxseed mixture, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each slice is fully coated.
Step Six
Place the breaded zucchini slices on the grill and cook each side until they are golden and crispy. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove them from the grill and set them aside.
Step Seven
In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Add a layer of the grilled zucchini slices, followed by a layer of vegan mozzarella and a sprinkle of the remaining vegan parmesan. Repeat these layers until all ingredients have been used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Step Eight
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and bake the dish for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Step Nine
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with a little olive oil, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil on top, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Vegan Gluten-Free Grilled Zucchini Parmigiana!
