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:
- Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F).
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pan, heat the vegetable fat over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cauliflower florets, sliced bell peppers, salt, caraway seeds, black pepper, coriander, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook until the vegetables are slightly soft, about 5 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Simmer:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan.
- Let simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined and the cauliflower is tender.
Prepare for Baking:
- Drain any excess water from the vegetable mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
To Serve:
- 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!