Cheesy Baked Cauliflower and Vegetable Casserole

This Cheesy Baked Cauliflower and Vegetable Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish, perfect for any meal. Loaded with flavorful spices and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Preparation Time

  • Preparation: 20 minutes
  • Cooking: 30 minutes
  • Total: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 large onion or 2 small onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable fat
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
  • 250g mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F).

Sauté the Vegetables:

  1. In a large pan, heat the vegetable fat over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the cauliflower florets, sliced bell peppers, salt, caraway seeds, black pepper, coriander, garlic powder, and paprika.
  4. Cook until the vegetables are slightly soft, about 5 minutes.

Add Tomatoes and Simmer:

  1. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan.
  2. Let simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined and the cauliflower is tender.

Prepare for Baking:

  1. Drain any excess water from the vegetable mixture.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  4. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake:

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

To Serve:

  1. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
  • Enjoy as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.
  • Pair with a bowl of soup for a hearty meal.

Cooking Tips

  • For extra flavor, use a mixture of different colored bell peppers.
  • Ensure the cauliflower is cut into evenly sized florets for uniform cooking.
  • Adjust the spices to your taste preference.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Cauliflower: Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.
  • Bell Peppers: High in vitamins A and C, and provide a sweet flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Good source of calcium and protein.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian: Yes
  • Vegan: No (contains mozzarella cheese)
  • Gluten-Free: Yes
  • Dairy-Free: No (contains mozzarella cheese)
  • Egg-Free: Yes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, cheesy flavor with a satisfying texture.
  • Nutritious and packed with vegetables.
  • Easy to prepare and perfect for any meal.
  • Versatile serving options make it suitable for various occasions.
  • Great for those following vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

Conclusion

Enjoy this Cheesy Baked Cauliflower and Vegetable Casserole, a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. Bon appétit!