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1
Place potatoes into a glass bowl, coat lightly with about 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
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2
Mix to coat.
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3
Trim the ends of the zucchini, then cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
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4
Put in a separate bowl.
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5
Top with 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
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6
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a deep 2 1/2 to 3-quart baking dish (about 9 by 12 inches).
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7
Then place about 1/4 cup of tomato puree and spread out to coat the bottom of the pan.
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8
In zucchini and potato bowls, add 2 tablespoons of garlic each and mix in well with a rubber spatula.
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9
Using the potatoes and zucchinis, make a layer in the prepared baking dish, alternating between the potato and zucchini, filling in any gaps with small pieces.
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10
Spread 1/2 cup of the tomato puree on top, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan and 2 tablespoons of the bread crumbs.
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11
Top with some of the basil.
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12
Repeat the layering of the vegetables, tomato puree, Parmesan, bread crumbs and basil using all the vegetables.
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13
Cover the top with the remaining bread crumbs and Parmesan.
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14
Bake, uncovered, for about 1/2 an hour, then cover for the next 45 minutes of baking, finally uncovering for the last 15 minutes, until tender and bubbling, about 1 1/2 hours total cooking time.
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15
Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature to allow the dish to settle and deepen in flavor.
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16
Tiella may be served hot, warm, or at room temperature.
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17
Reheat in a low oven, if desired.
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18
To serve, cut into squares and carefully lift out of the pan with a spatula.
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19
Bring 2 large pots of water to a boil.
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20
Lower the tomatoes into the water, blanch for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
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21
Place blanched tomatoes on a baking sheet, and peel the loosened skins.
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22
With a colander over a bowl, squeeze the seeds and innards out of each tomato.
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23
Set aside and refrigerate the clear strained liquid for other uses.
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24
Slice the peeled tomatoes into 1-inch chunks, and place chunks into blender.
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25
Puree thoroughly.
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26
Pour into bowl.