Ingredients and Their Roles
Main Ingredients
2 medium Zucchini, sliced into rounds: Zucchini is mild and slightly sweet, offering a tender texture that becomes wonderfully caramelized when roasted.
2 medium Yellow Squash, sliced into rounds: Yellow squash adds a bright color and a slightly firmer texture than zucchini, balancing the dish both visually and texturally.
1 pint Cherry Tomatoes, halved: Cherry tomatoes provide a juicy, sweet, and slightly acidic burst of flavor, complementing the savory notes of the dish.
Flavor Enhancers
4 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the vegetables with a rich, aromatic flavor that becomes mellow and sweet when roasted.
2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Olive oil helps in roasting the vegetables evenly, adding a subtle richness and helping the Parmesan cheese adhere to the vegetables.
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese melts slightly during roasting, adding a nutty, salty flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning, they bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Fresh Herbs (such as basil or parsley) for garnish: Fresh herbs add a final burst of color and freshness, elevating the dish visually and flavor-wise.