This recipe creates a hearty and flavorful egg bake, packed with a medley of colorful vegetables and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal. The combination of leeks, carrots, peppers, potatoes, spinach, and parsley adds a variety of flavors and textures, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- This includes chopping and grating vegetables, and preparing the batter.
Cook Time: 35 minutes
- This is the baking time for the egg bake.
Total Time: 1 hour
- This includes all preparation and cooking time.
Ingredients:
- 6 large chicken eggs
- 30 ml vegetable oil (about 2 tablespoons)
- 30 ml milk (about 2 tablespoons)
- 80g all-purpose flour (about ⅔ cup)
- 5g baking powder (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 medium leek stalk, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 raw sweet red pepper, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and grated
- 50g fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 100g hard mozzarella cheese, grated
- Sea salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Dried ground oregano, to taste
- Dried ground sweet paprika, to taste
- Additional vegetable oil for greasing
Directions:
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). This ensures the egg bake cooks evenly and develops a golden-brown top.
- Grease a baking dish with some vegetable oil to prevent the egg bake from sticking. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
-
Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and milk until well combined. This creates a smooth and consistent base for the batter.
- Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the egg mixture, whisking continuously until smooth. This prevents lumps from forming and ensures a light and airy texture.
- Season the batter with sea salt, ground black pepper, dried ground oregano, and dried ground sweet paprika to taste. Adjust the amount of seasoning to your preference. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Chop the leek stalk into small pieces.
- Grate the carrot using a box grater.
- Chop the sweet red pepper into small pieces.
- Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater.
- Chop the spinach and parsley into small pieces.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the prepared vegetables (leek, carrot, red pepper, potatoes, spinach, and parsley) to the egg mixture.
- Mix thoroughly until all the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Stir in the grated mozzarella cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. This will create pockets of melted cheese throughout the egg bake.
-
Bake:
- Pour the vegetable and egg mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the egg bake is cooked through.
-
Serve:
- Remove the egg bake from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. This allows the egg bake to set and makes it easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.
- Pair with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
- Enjoy as a light lunch or brunch option.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 250-350
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 3-5g
The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe:
Egg bakes, also known as frittatas or stratas, have a long history in various cultures, offering a versatile and convenient way to use eggs and vegetables. This recipe combines classic elements with a modern twist, incorporating a variety of fresh vegetables and mozzarella cheese. The popularity of this dish stems from its simplicity, adaptability, and the ability to use up leftover vegetables. It’s a perfect option for family meals, brunches, and meal prepping. The use of varied vegetables allows for a large range of vitamins and minerals to be included in an easy to prepare meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a healthy and delicious way to use up vegetables.
- It’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
- It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
- It’s a great make-ahead meal.
Health Benefits:
- Eggs are a good source of protein and essential nutrients.
- Vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Mozzarella cheese adds calcium and protein.
- Baking reduces the amount of added fat compared to frying.
Tips:
- Grate the potatoes just before adding them to the batter to prevent browning.
- Use a variety of colorful vegetables for a visually appealing dish.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
- Don’t overfill the baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Let the egg bake cool slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Variations to Try:
- Spicy Egg Bake: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the batter.
- Cheese Lovers Egg Bake: Use a blend of different cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or feta.
- Meat Lovers Egg Bake: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or ham to the vegetable mixture.
- Herbaceous Egg Bake: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the batter.
- Mushroom Egg Bake: Add sautéed mushrooms to the vegetable mixture.
Conclusion:
This savory vegetable and mozzarella egg bake is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple preparation and customizable flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, cheddar, Gruyère, or feta cheese are excellent alternatives.
- Can I use frozen vegetables?
- Yes, frozen vegetables can be used. Thaw them and drain any excess water before adding them to the batter.
- Can I make this egg bake ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the egg bake ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat it in the oven or microwave.
- How do I store leftover egg bake?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze cooked egg bake?
- Yes, cooked egg bake can be frozen. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use milk alternatives?
- Yes, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be used.
- Can I add other spices?
- Yes, feel free to add your favorite spices and herbs.
- How do I prevent the egg bake from sticking to the dish?
- Grease the dish thoroughly or use parchment paper.
- How do I know when the egg bake is cooked through?
- A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Can I add meat to this recipe?
- Yes, cooked sausage, bacon, or ham can be added.