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Yellow Squash and pepper Torte

This vibrant yellow squash and pepper torte is a sophisticated vegetarian showstopper that celebrates the sweet, mellow flavours of roasted summer vegetables. Layers of tender squash, charred peppers, and vinegar-glazed red onions are pressed together with fragrant basil and sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano. The result is a beautifully compressed savoury cake that looks as impressive as it tastes, offering a wonderful medley of Mediterranean-inspired textures.

Ideal for hosting, this make-ahead dish is best served at room temperature to allow the oil and herbs to fully develop their aroma. It makes a light yet satisfying lunch or an elegant starter for a dinner party. Simply serve with a crisp green salad or some crusty sourdough bread to mop up the juices, providing a healthy and colourful addition to any seasonal menu.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Yellow Squash and pepper Torte

  • 4 yellow peppers, halved lengthwise, stemmed, and seeded

  • 5 to 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

  • 900g yellow squash (4 medium), sliced diagonally 1/2 inch thick, divided

  • 450g red onions (2 medium), cut crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick rounds

  • 45ml red-wine vinegar

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

  • 1/3 cup chopped basil

  • Equipment: an 8- to 9-inch springform pan

  • Garnish: Parmigiano-Reggiano shavings and basil leaves

How to make Yellow Squash and pepper Torte

Preheat oven to 218°C with rack in middle.

Toss peppers with 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoons pepper in a 17-by 11-inch 4-sided sheet pan. Roast, turning once, until softened, 25 to 30 minutes.

While peppers roast, heat 3 tablespoons oil with garlic in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat until oil is hot. Add one third of squash with 1/4 teaspoons each of salt and pepper and cook, turning once, until just tender (do not overcook), 6 to 8 minutes total. Transfer cooked squash with garlic to a tray using a slotted spoon. Cook remaining squash in 2 batches with salt and pepper in same manner, using another tablespoon oil if necessary and transferring squash to tray.

Add 1 tablespoon oil to skillet and cook onions with 1/2 teaspoons each of salt and pepper, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 16 to 18 minutes. Add vinegar and briskly simmer until liquid has evaporated. Cool to room temperature.

Flip bottom of springform pan so lip is facing down (to make torte easier to slide off), then lock in place. Lightly oil pan. Layer one third of squash with garlic in pan, slightly overlapping. Sprinkle with some of grated cheese and basil. Layer half of peppers over squash, then half of onions and more cheese and basil. Repeat with half of remaining squash and all of remaining onions, then all remaining peppers, sprinkling with remaining cheese and basil. Arrange a final layer of squash on top.

Put springform pan in a small baking pan and cover springform with plastic wrap. Place a small plate (to just fit inside springform) on top of vegetables, then weight with 2 or 3 heavy (15-to 550g ) cans. Chill until cold, at least 6 hours (torte will release liquid).

Remove weights, plate, and plastic wrap. Remove torte from pan and put on a plate. Blot any excess moisture. Bring torte to room temperature and cut into wedges.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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