Beef and Tomato Gratin

1 1/4 cup skim milk
1 small onion peeled and left whole
1 small carrot
2 bay leaves
3 whole cloves
11 oz lean ground beef
1 large onion chopped
2 tablespoons who wheat flour
1 1/4 cup beef stock
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
10 oz zucchini thinly slices
2 large tomatoes thinly slices
2 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper


Put the milk, whole onion, carrot, bay leaves and cloves in small saucepan and slowly bring to a boil.  remove the pan from heat, cover and let infuse for 30 minutes.  Stain, reserving the milk.

In a large saucepan, dry fry the beed and onion for 4-5 minutes until browned.  Drain off any fat from the beef.  Sprinkle the flour over the meat and cook stirring for 2 minutes.  Gradually stir in the stock.  Blend the tomato paste with 2 tablespoons of water or extra stock and add to meat.  Stir well.  Add the herbs and season to taste with salt and pepper.  Bring to boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, covered for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, blanch the zucchini in boiling water for 2 minutes then drain thoroughly.  Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish, top with zucchini, then cover with the sliced tomatoes.

Blend the cornstarch to a smooth paste with a little of the infused milk.  Bring the remainder of the milk to a boil.  Stir the paste into the boiling milk and cook, stirring, until smooth and thickened.  Cook, stirring, for a further 2 minutes.  Add the nutmeg and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Pour the sauce over the tomatoes and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.  Put the baking dish on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 3-40 minutes until golden brown.


I got this recipe form the cookbook High-Energy cookbook.  I used regular flour instead of whole wheat.  I did not like how you used some of the ingredients only in the infusing process in the beginning and then did not sue them again. I felt like this was wasting food.  It tasted good but I don't think it is worth the labor, time and effort.