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:
- Olive oil for cooking
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
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for best results.
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!