Ingredients

For the Vegetable Bake:

• 2 zucchinis, chopped
• 1 red onion, cut into half rings
• 1 carrot, grated into strips
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
• Salt (to taste)
• Paprika (to taste)
• Garlic powder (to taste)
• 3 eggs
• 250 ml milk
• 200 g flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 150 g cheese, grated
• Vegetable oil (for frying and greasing)

For the Sauce:

• 50 g ketchup
• 50 g mayonnaise
• 40 ml soy sauce
• Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

1. Chop the zucchini:
   Start by washing and chopping the zucchinis into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This process helps to draw out excess moisture, which will keep the zucchini from becoming too watery in the final dish.
2. Squeeze the zucchini:
   After resting, gently squeeze the zucchini to remove the water that has been released. Set the drained zucchini aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Fry the onion:
   Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent.
2. Add the carrots:
   Grate the carrot into thin strips and add it to the skillet. Fry for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrot softens and becomes tender.
3. Fry the garlic:
   Add the chopped garlic to the skillet and fry for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the bell peppers:
   Add the red and yellow bell peppers, cut into strips, to the skillet. Continue frying for 5-7 minutes, covering the skillet with a lid, and stirring occasionally. Season with salt, paprika, and garlic powder to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

1. Beat the eggs:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 eggs and a pinch of salt until well combined.
2. Add the milk:
   Pour in 250 ml of milk and mix thoroughly.
3. Mix the dry ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, combine 200 g of flour and 1 tablespoon of baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the egg and milk mixture, stirring well to ensure there are no lumps. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

Step 4: Combine the Vegetables and Batter

1. Mix the vegetables and batter:
   Add the sautéed vegetables and the drained zucchini to the egg-flour mixture. Stir everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the batter.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Bake

1. Prepare the baking sheet:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with vegetable oil.
2. Pour the mixture:
   Pour the vegetable mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
3. Add the cheese:
   Sprinkle the grated cheese (about 150 g) over the top of the vegetable mixture.
4. Bake the dish:
   Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture has set.

Step 6: Make the Sauce and Serve

1. Prepare the sauce:
   While the vegetable bake is in the oven, make a quick and flavorful sauce. In a small bowl, mix together 50 g of ketchup, 50 g of mayonnaise, and 40 ml of soy sauce. Stir until well combined.
2. Garnish and serve:
   Once the vegetable bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice the bake into squares or portions and serve with the sauce on the side. Garnish with freshly chopped spring onions for added freshness and flavor.

Cooking Tips

• Removing moisture from zucchini: Letting the zucchini rest with salt is an important step to prevent excess water in the dish. Don’t skip this step to avoid a soggy bake.
• Use of vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for more variety. Adjust the seasoning based on the vegetables used.
• Cheese choices: Any cheese that melts well will work for this recipe. You can try mozzarella, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
• Baking time: Keep an eye on the bake as ovens vary in temperature. The bake is ready when it has a golden crust and the center is fully set.

Storage

• In the refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or in the microwave in short bursts.
• In the freezer: The baked zucchini and vegetable dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap the portions individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Facts (Per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 280 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 5g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Calcium: 15% of the recommended daily intake
• Vitamin A: 80% of the recommended daily intake
• Vitamin C: 60% of the recommended daily intake

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the flour with gluten-free flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the baking powder is also gluten-free.
2. Can I use different vegetables?
   Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, or even sweet potatoes would work well in this dish.
3. What cheese is best for this bake?
   Mozzarella is a great choice for its melting properties, but you can also use cheddar, gouda, or even feta for a more flavorful twist.
4. How do I prevent the bake from becoming soggy?
   The key is to let the zucchini release its excess moisture by salting and draining it. Additionally, avoid using vegetables that have a high water content without prepping them in the same way.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the vegetable mixture and batter ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving.

Conclusion
Savory Zucchini and Vegetable Bake with Cheese is a nutritious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course, side dish, or even a snack. With a crispy top of melted cheese and a soft, flavorful filling, this vegetable bake is not only delicious but also packed with healthy ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals or simply want a dish that’s easy to prepare and satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with the tasty sauce for an added burst of flavor and enjoy a meal that’s both hearty and wholesome!