Vegetable Gratin

Matt recently made this delicious gratin, which he made up after reading other gratin recipes. It's a tasty way to enjoy your vegetables.

Ingredients:

• Roll of paper towels
• 2-quart oval or round casserole
• 1 lg squash, sliced into 1/4" pieces
• 1 lg zucchini, sliced into 1/4" pieces
• 1 lg tomato, sliced into 1/4" pieces
• 1 lg red onion, sliced thinly or finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2-3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 tsp salt (times 3)
• 1 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Spread the zucchini and squash out in a collander and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let drain for half an hour, until a teaspoon or so of liquid has been pulled out by the salt.
3. After they're drained, layer the slices out on a couple of paper towels, top with a couple more paper towels, and press gently until the towels are damp.
4. Spread the tomatoes out on a couple of paper towels, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and let sit for 20 minutes. Put a paper towel on top, press very gently.
5. Put half the oil in a skillet and heat over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, then add half the garlic (about a clove and a half). Cook an additional 10 minutes, until the onion is dark and the garlic is browned.
6. Combine the remaining oil and garlic together and let sit ten minutes or so. Use half the oil to coat the casserole dish. Layer the squash and zucchini along the bottom until you run out, then spread the caramelized onions on top of that.
7. Top with a layer or two of tomato, then sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Pour the remaining oil over the top to coat the tomatoes.
8. Cover and bake 25-30 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and turn the heat up to 450.
10. Blend the Parmesan with the bread crumbs. Uncover the casserole, and top with the breadcrumb/cheese mixture.
11. Bake uncovered an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is browned and the cheese is slightly melted. Remove, let sit 5-10 minutes, then cut and serve.