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Buy Now →Our Broccoli and Potato Vegetable Bake is a tribute to the comfort and simplicity that home cooking offers. This dish layers rich flavors with nutritious ingredients, creating a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug. With its golden, cheesy top and tender, flavorful vegetables beneath, this casserole is a hit in any season but especially comforting during the colder months.
The rustic charm of this casserole makes it a perfect centerpiece for family dinners or a hearty side dish during gatherings. It combines the earthiness of potatoes and broccoli with the creamy, melting goodness of mozzarella, all enriched by a velvety blend of eggs, sour cream, and milk. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian main or a robust accompaniment, this bake delivers taste and comfort in equal measure.
Full Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 500g broccoli, chopped into florets
- 3 potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- Celery, chopped
- 250g mozzarella cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
- 3 eggs
- 100g sour cream
- 200ml milk
- 60g flour
- Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a baking dish and begin by layering the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom.
- Add a layer of broccoli florets, followed by carrot, bell pepper, tomatoes, onion, and celery.
- Season each layer with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up.
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top layer of vegetables.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, milk, and flour until smooth.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the vegetables and cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time:20 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 70 minutesKcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
- Broccoli: A powerhouse of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, broccoli is not only great for immune support but also aids in bone health and inflammation reduction.
- Potatoes: High in potassium and fiber, potatoes help in maintaining lower blood pressure and improve digestive health.
- Carrots and Bell Peppers: These add sweetness, crunch, and color, along with a boost of beta-carotene, which is essential for eye health.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provides calcium for bone strength and proteins for muscle repair and growth, making this bake both nutritious and indulgent.
Culinary Techniques and Tips
This recipe employs simple yet effective culinary techniques to maximize flavor:
- Layering: Strategic layering of vegetables ensures each forkful is balanced in flavor and texture.
- Seasoning: Proper seasoning between layers personalizes the dish to your taste and enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables.
- Baking: Slow baking allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a cohesive and flavorful dish.
Perfect Pairings
This Broccoli and Potato Bake can stand proudly as a main course or accompany various dishes. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Proteins: Serve alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or tofu steaks for a protein-rich meal.
- Salads: A light, crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw complements the creamy and rich flavors of the bake.
- Breads: Fresh crusty bread or garlic rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious juices.
Make It Your Own
The versatility of this recipe means you can easily adapt it based on what’s available or preferred:
- Add different veggies: Consider adding mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
- Swap cheeses: Try using cheddar for a sharper taste or a blend of cheeses for more complexity.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the cheese, milk, and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and use a plant-based egg substitute to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Uniform Slices: Ensure that potatoes and other vegetables are sliced uniformly to promote even cooking. Thinner slices of potatoes become delightfully tender in the bake, absorbing flavors from the cheese and seasoning.
- Pre-Cooking Vegetables: For an even more tender bake, consider blanching the broccoli and carrots briefly before assembling. This step ensures they are perfectly cooked and retain their vibrant colors.
- Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking will enable the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve neatly.
Nutritional Highlights
This vegetable bake is a fiber-rich meal that supports digestive health, with a considerable amount of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables used. The eggs and cheese provide protein, making this dish balanced in terms of macronutrients. For those watching their caloric intake or requiring a lower-fat option, modifications such as reducing the cheese or substituting some of the dairy ingredients with low-fat alternatives can be made without compromising on the taste significantly.