Got zucchini? It will almost disappear in this savory 'invisible' zucchini cake. - Anchorage Daily News

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By Kim Sunée

Updated: 3 hours ago Published: 4 hours ago

Invisible zucchini cake (Photo by Kim Sunée)

This is based on a French gâteau invisible, in which a light batter cooks into very thinly sliced apples, rendering the fruit mostly “invisible” as it seems to disappear into an airy custard. This is a savory version featuring small, firm zucchini held together with just the smallest amount of egg and flour. The end result is reminiscent of the lightest quiche or a fancy gratin. Substitute thinly sliced potato or carrot and experiment with a pinch of curry or a handful of fresh herbs, like chive and dill. A layer of black olive tapenade adds depth of flavor, but basil-rich pesto or almond and red pepper romesco would be great options. It’s important to allow the finished “cake” to cool completely before slicing. If time allows, make this the night before and allow to firm up overnight in the refrigerator; this helps with even slicing. Serve with grated tomato mixed with some garlic and olive oil or pesto and a salad.

Invisible zucchini cake

1 medium onion, thinly sliced (about 1 1/4 cups)

1 to 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons olive oil

Salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

2 to 3 medium zucchini (about 1 1/2 pounds), plus more for garnish, very thinly sliced

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

2 tablespoons black olive tapenade (or pesto or romesco sauce)

1/2 cup milk, whole or 2%

2 to 3 tablespoons chopped herbs, such as dill, basil, chives, etc.

1 tablespoon freshly-grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano

Grease one standard loaf pan (8 ½- by 4 ½- by 2 ½ inches); line with a sheet of parchment (measuring 8 by 14 inches) so that parchment hangs over long sides of pan by about 2 inches; this forms a sling and helps with ease of unmolding. Grease the exposed sides of parchment and lightly dust with flour, making sure to coat bottom and sides; lightly tap out any excess flour. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cut onion and garlic into thin slices. Heat oil in a large sauté pan set over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, just until translucent, 1 to 2 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and some pepper. Remove pan from heat. Slice zucchini (and carrot or potatoes if using) into very thin slices (using a very sharp knife, a mandoline or the slicer of a food processor). Add zucchini to sautéed onion and garlic; set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt and some black pepper. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs with melted butter; add flour mixture and whisk just until combined. Slowly, stir in milk until combined. Add reserved zucchini and onion mixture to egg-flour mixture, fresh herbs; toss well to coat vegetables with mixture.

Place loaf pan on a sheet pan, if desired, to catch any overflow. Add half of the zucchini mixture into loaf pan. Add an even layer of black olive tapenade. Add remaining vegetable mixture. Press down on vegetables to even out the top. Sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan. Bake 55 to 65 minutes or until a knife point inserts easily into center of cake. Let cool in pan at least three hours. Then cover and chill until ready to serve or after three hours, carefully lift the parchment overhang and remove cake from pan. Cut into thick slices and serve with pesto or grated ripe tomato mixed with a little salt and fresh herbs, and a green salad. Leftovers can be stored in fridge. Enjoy chilled or heat slices in a skillet until just warmed through.

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Got zucchini? It will almost disappear in this savory 'invisible' zucchini cake. - Anchorage Daily News
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