Vegan Parmesan Casserole

http://markbittman.com/recipes/
thepurplecarrot.com
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 to 50 minutes
Inactive prep time: 10 minutes

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Sauce

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
Zest of 2 large lemons
To assemble

Butter for greasing
1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large zucchini cut into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick slices
2 medium red onion, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
1 red bell pepper, cut into thirds
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thirds
1 orange bell pepper, cut into thirds
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
For the sauce: In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the lemon zest. Simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.

Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter an 13-by-9-inch glass baking dish.

Toss the zucchini slices, onion slices and peppers with the 1/4 cup of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Grill the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes each side until softened. (Cook's Note: The vegetables can also be baked in a 375 degrees F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until softened.)


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Spoon 3/4 cup of the cream sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the zucchini slices on top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Arrange the peppers in a single layer on top. Spoon 3/4 cup of cream sauce sauce over the peppers. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Place the onion on top and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese and drizzle liberally with oil. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden and forms a crust.


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Cool for 10 minutes before serving.