Creamy Zucchini and Mushroom Bake

This creamy zucchini and mushroom bake is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, rich cream sauce, and melted cheese. It’s a perfect dish to serve as a main course or a side dish. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Vegetables:
    • 2 large zucchini, sliced
    • 1 onion, finely chopped
    • 1 carrot, grated
    • 300 grams (10.5 oz) mushrooms, sliced
    • 1 tomato, diced
    • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Sauce and Seasoning:
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 tablespoon flour
    • 400 grams (14 oz) cream
    • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
    • Salt, to taste
    • Pepper, to taste
  • Toppings:
    • 100 grams (3.5 oz) cheese, grated
  • Other Ingredients:

Directions

  • Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Sauté the onion until translucent.
    • Add the grated carrot and sliced mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms are tender.
    • Stir in the diced tomato and cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Make the Cream Sauce:
    • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
    • Gradually whisk in the cream until the sauce thickens.
    • Season with salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Stir in chopped parsley.
  • Assemble the Dish:
    • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
    • Arrange zucchini slices in an even layer.
    • Pour sautéed vegetables over the zucchini.
    • Spread cream sauce evenly over the vegetables.
    • Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
  • Bake:
    • Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    • Garnish with additional parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a green salad and crusty bread.
  • Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
  • Enjoy as a vegetarian main course with quinoa or rice.

Cooking Tips

  • Even Slicing: Slice zucchini evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Cheese Varieties: Experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan.
  • Sauce Smoothness: Whisk cream continuously while cooking to avoid lumps.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Zucchini: Low in calories and high in antioxidants.
  • Mushrooms: A great source of vitamins and minerals.
  • Cheese: Provides protein and calcium.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian-friendly.
  • Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: ~320
  • Protein: ~10g
  • Fat: ~25g
  • Carbohydrates: ~15g
  • Fiber: ~4g

Storage

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare.
  • Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
  • A great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal.
  • Versatile enough to be a main course or side dish.

Conclusion
This creamy zucchini and mushroom bake is a comforting and delicious dish that’s simple to make and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a burst of creamy, cheesy goodness!