If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious dish that combines the goodness of vegetables with the richness of cheese, look no further than this Cheesy Vegetable Bake. This recipe features a delightful mix of grated potatoes, carrots, onions, and peppers, all baked to perfection and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. It’s a comforting dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Ideal for a family dinner or a cozy meal, this bake is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a dish that will soon become a favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 large potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 pepper, finely chopped
• Olive oil, for sautéing
• Salt, to taste
• Chives, chopped
• 3 eggs
• 300 ml milk
• 200 g wholemeal flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 150 g cheese, grated

Directions

Prepare the Vegetables:

1. Grate Potatoes: Peel and grate the potatoes. Place them in a large bowl.
2. Chop Onions and Carrots: Finely chop the onion and add it to the bowl with the grated potatoes.
3. Grate Carrots and Chop Pepper: Peel and grate the carrot. Chop the pepper and add both to the bowl with the potatoes and onions.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the grated potatoes, onion, carrot, and pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are slightly softened. Season with salt and mix in the chopped chives.

Prepare the Batter:

1. Beat Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
2. Mix with Milk: Add the milk to the beaten eggs and mix well.
3. Combine Flour and Baking Powder: In another bowl, combine the wholemeal flour and baking powder.
4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg and milk mixture, stirring until well combined.

Combine and Rest:

1. Mix Vegetables with Batter: Add the sautéed vegetables to the batter and mix until everything is well incorporated.
2. Rest the Dough: Let the mixture rest for 15 minutes.

First Bake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
3. Pour and Spread: Pour the vegetable mixture into the baking dish and spread it evenly.
4. Bake: Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and the mixture is set.

Add Cheese and Final Bake:

1. Add Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
2. Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes at 200°C (400°F) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

1. Cool Slightly: Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving.
2. Cut and Enjoy: Cut into slices and enjoy warm.

Preparation Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese? A1: Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.

Q2: Can I prepare this dish in advance? A2: Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven before serving.

Q3: Can I use other vegetables? A3: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the mix.

Q4: Can I make this dish gluten-free? A4: Yes, you can substitute the wholemeal flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers? A5: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Just wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Vegetable Bake is a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal. With its combination of grated potatoes, carrots, onions, and peppers, all topped with melted cheese, it’s a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a comforting meal, this bake is sure to please. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, it’s a great addition to your recipe repertoire. Give it a try and experience the deliciousness of this comforting bake!