Today, we’re making a delicious Baked Vegetable Medley with a rich cheese sauce. This dish combines a variety of fresh vegetables with a creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s a fantastic side dish or a hearty vegetarian main course.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Vegetables:
- 1 broccoli
- 1 cauliflower
- 1 carrot
- 1/2 cup beans
- 1/2 cup peas
- 3 bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt
- Black pepper
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 pickled cucumber, finely chopped
- Chives, chopped
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into florets.
- Fill a large bowl with hot water and soak the broccoli and cauliflower florets for 10-15 minutes, then drain.
- Slice the carrot.
- Dice the bell peppers.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and mix well to form a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and all lumps are dissolved.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of cheese until melted and combined.
- The sauce is ready! Set it aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute to release its full flavor.
- Add the sliced carrot and fry for 2 minutes.
- Add the beans and peas, and mix well.
- Add the drained broccoli and cauliflower florets.
- Fry the vegetables over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced bell peppers, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Bake the Vegetables:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Transfer the cooked vegetables to a baking dish.
- Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the vegetables and mix well.
- Sprinkle extra cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream, minced garlic, finely chopped pickled cucumber, and chopped chives.
- Mix well.
6. Serve:
- Once the baked vegetable medley is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve warm with the garlic sauce on the side.
Enjoy this delicious and creamy vegetable dish with your loved ones!
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the milk is added gradually to the roux to avoid lumps in the cheese sauce.
- For extra flavor, add your favorite herbs and spices to the vegetable mixture.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Broccoli and Cauliflower: High in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin A.
- Greek Yogurt: A good source of protein and probiotics.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: No (use gluten-free flour for the cheese sauce if needed)
- Dairy-Free: No (use dairy-free butter, cheese, and yogurt substitutes if needed)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a versatile and hearty dish that can be served as a main or side.
- The creamy cheese sauce complements the fresh vegetables perfectly.
- Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Conclusion:
Thank you for trying this Baked Vegetable Medley with Cheese Sauce recipe. Enjoy the rich and creamy flavors combined with the freshness of the vegetables. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!