Courgette,Tomato & Red Pepper Gratin

I've been really trying to make a conscientious effort with my food lately with regards to trying new recipes whilst watching the calories.

Easier said than done I can tell you.

I've been trying out new soup recipes, which I can just about survive on for a lunch, but by dinner I am craving something a bit more, well, substantial.

BUT, I don't want to completely blow the day's good effort.

It can be difficult.

Last weekend I received this fantastic new cookbook from Yeo Valley...

It is packed full of mouthwatering recipes and images inspired by their very own dairy, farmyard and veg garden. Recipes are clear and easy to follow with the majority showing a finshed product image - I always like this as it gives me something to aim for! The dishes that leapt out at me included Crunchy apple & raspberry granola, Blue cheese & leek tart in cheesy oatmeal pastry, Lemon curd & raisin bread & butter pudding and Chicken & mushroom lasagne.

However, due to it's vegetable content and lack of major carbs, I tackled the.....

...Courgette, tomato & roasted red pepper gratin.

You will need (serves 4):

• 2 red peppers - roast in oven for about 30 mins, remove skin and core and slice
• 15g butter
• garlic clove
• 2 cans plum tomatoes
• oregano
• 750g courgettes
• olive oil
• 150g grated cheddar
• S & P

To make:

• Melt the butter in a large pan and add garlic, tomatoes and oregano (I used a small bunch of basil as a replacement). Simmer for about 40 minutes.
• Slice the courgettes, toss in olive oil and griddle in batches.
• In an ovenproof dish layer half the sauce, half the courgettes, half the peppers and half the cheese.
• Repeat this again finishing with cheese on the top.
• Bake for about 30 mins at 170-180c

I devoured mine with a huge serving of salad and calculated the calories for one serving to be 325cals.

Not bad hey?

For more details and drool worthy recipes keep your eyes peeled in the cookery section of your local bookshop for this book to appear to soon.

x x x
 

Disclaimer: I received this book free for review. As always opinions are honest and my own.