Lunch: Zucchini Custards with Tomatoes and Basil

You can make the custards earlier in the day, store them in the refrigerator, and bring them to room temperature before serving.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Basil

Health benefits of Zucchini Custards with Tomatoes and Basil

Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

1 1/3 pounds zucchini, coarsely grated
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
Cooking spray
1/4 cup minced shallots
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups fat-free milk, divided
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Dash of nutmeg
Dash of ground red pepper
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 large egg whites, lightly beaten
1/4 cup (1 ounce) finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 cups diced seeded peeled tomato
Basil sprigs (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 °.
Spread zucchini on several layers of paper towels; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover with additional paper towels. Let stand 15 minutes, pressing occasionally until barely moist. Set aside.
Heat a saucepan coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Add shallots, and cook 5 minutes or until soft, stirring often. Remove pan from heat.
Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and 1/3 cup milk, stirring with a whisk. Add 1 cup milk; stir with a whisk. Add milk mixture to pan; cook 3 minutes over medium heat or until thick, stirring constantly.
Place milk mixture, 1/2 teaspoon salt, chopped basil, and next 6 ingredients (chopped basil through egg whites) in a food processor or blender; process until well blended. Add cheese, and process until well blended. Add zucchini, and pulse until combined.
Divide zucchini mixture evenly among 8 (4-ounce) ramekins or custard cups coated with cooking spray. Place ramekins on a jelly roll pan; add hot water to pan to a depth of 1 inch. Bake at 350 ° 30 minutes or until puffed and brown and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove ramekins from pan; run a knife around edges. Invert custards onto plates. Top with tomato; garnish with basil sprigs, if desired.

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