Baked Vegetable Gratin (Verdure Al Forno)

DIRECTIONS

• Cut the zucchini into 1/2-inch dice; place in a colander; salt, and drain for 20 minutes.
• Cut off any long stems from the spinach.
• Cook spinach with water that clings to the leaves in a pot, along with a little salt just until the spinach wilts; drain and let cool.
• Squeeze out the excess water and coarsely chop.
• Gently saute the onion in 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over low heat for 20 minutes or until the onion is soft and pale gold.
• Meanwhile, pat the zucchini dry with paper towels; add to the onions, and saute for 10 minutes.
• Add the spinach and garlic and saute for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Turn into a bowl and let cool.
• Combine the vegetables with 1/2 cup Parmesan, eggs, parsley, garbanzo beans, salt, and pepper.
• Lightly oil a shallow, round baking dish; fill dish with the spinach mixture.
• Sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons Parmesan and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• Bake in a preheated 375° oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until a golden crust has formed.
• Let cool; serve at room temperature.