Zucchini Tian (Naturally Healthy)

Place zucchini in a colander over a bowl to collect the juices that sweat out. Leave for at least 20 minutes.

Squeeze the liquid out of the zucchini, straining the liquid through the colander to add to the zucchini juices collected.

Rinse the zucchini under cold water for 15 seconds, then squeeze out excess water, but this time do not save the water that is squeezed out.

Pat the zucchini with paper towels to mostly dry.

To Prepare Gratin

Top up the zucchini juices with milk to make a total of 2 1/2 cups of liquid. Warm liquid in microwave or on the stove.

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy base pan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and sauté for 8 minutes until translucent and starting to turn golden.

Turn heat up to medium high, add the zucchini and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat. Add all but 2 tbsp of the parmesan cheese and stir quickly to combine.

Do a taste test to check for seasoning. Add more salt if desired, and a good grind of black pepper. I do not add more salt as I don't think it is required.

Add rice and liquid. If making ahead, stop here, then proceed with the next step on the day of serving.

To Bake

Preheat oven to 220C/425F

Return pan to heat and bring to simmer.

If the pan you are using is not ovenproof, pour the contents into a buttered baking dish.

Sprinkle over the remaining 2 tbsp of parmesan cheese and drizzle over the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil.

Cover with lid or foil, then place in the top 1/3 of the oven.

Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the lid/foil and bake for a further 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden and the liquid appears to have been absorbed. (Tilt the dish slightly. If liquid pools then return to the oven for 5 minutes at a time.)

Rest for 10 minutes. While resting, any residual liquid will be absorbed.

Best served immediately.