Vegetable and Cheese Bake with Broccoli and Potatoes

This Vegetable and Cheese Bake is a hearty, savory dish packed with nutrients and full of flavor. With a combination of broccoli, potatoes, mozzarella cheese, and spring onions, this bake is both comforting and satisfying. The addition of sweet pepper, carrots, tomatoes, and garlic makes it a well-rounded dish. Whether you’re looking for a filling vegetarian meal or a side dish for dinner, this recipe will surely become a favorite.

Ingredients:

• 3 Chicken Eggs
• 100 ml Milk
• 70 g Flour
• A bunch of Spring Onions, chopped
• 2 Tomatoes, diced
• 150 g Hard Mozzarella Cheese, grated
• Salt, to taste
• Ground Black Pepper, to taste
• 300 g Broccoli
• 300 g Potatoes, peeled and diced
• Vegetable Oil, for cooking
• 1 Purple Onion, chopped
• 3 Cloves of Garlic, minced
• 1 Carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 Raw Sweet Pepper, diced
• Baking Paper, for lining the pan

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broccoli:

• Blanch the Broccoli:
  Pour boiling water over the 300 g broccoli and let it sit for 15 minutes. This step softens the broccoli and helps retain its vibrant green color.

2. Prepare the Potatoes:

• Cook the Potatoes:
  Peel and dice the 300 g potatoes. In a large pan, heat some vegetable oil and sauté the potatoes until they are soft and golden brown. Set aside to cool.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
  In the same pan, add 1 purple onion and 3 cloves of garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.

• Add the Carrot and Sweet Pepper:
  Add the 1 grated carrot and 1 diced raw sweet pepper to the pan. Continue sautéing for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

• Prepare the Egg Mixture:
  In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 eggs, 100 ml milk, and 70 g flour. Add salt and ground black pepper to taste. This mixture will act as the binding agent for the bake.

5. Assemble the Bake:

• Prepare the Baking Dish:
  Line a baking pan with baking paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

• Layer the Ingredients:
  First, spread the sautéed vegetables (onion, garlic, carrot, and sweet pepper) at the bottom of the pan. Next, add the cooked potatoes and blanched broccoli. Then, pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the vegetables.

• Add Cheese:
  Sprinkle 150 g grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the vegetable and egg mixture. Save a small amount of cheese for later to sprinkle on top during the final stages of baking.

6. Bake the Dish:

• Bake in the Oven:
  Place the baking pan in a preheated oven at 180°C (355°F). Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture has set. In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top and return it to the oven to melt and bubble.

7. Serve:

• Cool and Serve:
  Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions:

1. With a Fresh Salad:
   Serve this vegetable and cheese bake with a fresh green salad for a light yet satisfying meal.

2. As a Side Dish:
   This bake pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a hearty soup, making it an excellent side dish.

3. For Breakfast or Brunch:
   This dish makes a great savory option for breakfast or brunch. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a side of toasted bread for extra comfort.

Cooking Tips:

1. Use Fresh Vegetables:
   Fresh vegetables like carrots, sweet peppers, and onions give this bake a natural sweetness and texture. You can adjust the vegetables to your taste.

2. Ensure the Broccoli is Tender:
   Blanching the broccoli before baking ensures it’s soft and tender but still retains its vibrant green color.

3. Check for Doneness:
   To check if the bake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the dish is ready. If not, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes.

4. Customize the Cheese:
   While mozzarella works great, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Parmesan for different flavors and textures.

Variations to Try:

1. Add Meat:
   If you want to add protein, consider adding diced chicken, ham, or bacon to the vegetables before baking. This makes the dish even more filling.

2. Vegan Version:
   For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), use plant-based milk, and swap the mozzarella for vegan cheese.

3. Spicy Version:
   Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick that complements the savory vegetables.

4. Herb-Inspired:
   Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano to the vegetables for added flavor. You can sprinkle herbs over the top before serving for a fresh touch.

Conclusion:

This Vegetable and Cheese Bake with Broccoli and Potatoes is a simple yet flavorful dish that works for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with healthy vegetables, and customizable to suit different tastes. Whether you serve it as a main dish, side, or snack, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and guests. With its cheesy top and tender vegetables, this bake will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the bake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at 180°C (355°F) for 10-15 minutes.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture in the bake.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use any cheese you like, such as cheddar, Swiss, or feta, depending on your taste preferences.

4. Can I add other vegetables? Yes, this recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to suit your taste.

5. Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for the regular flour in the slurry to make this dish gluten-free.

6. How long will leftovers last? Leftover vegetable bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

7. Can I freeze the bake? Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen at 180°C (355°F) for about 30-40 minutes.

8. Can I make this dish vegan? Yes, simply swap the eggs for a flax egg and use plant-based milk and cheese for a delicious vegan version.

9. Can I add meat to this recipe? Yes, you can add cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage to the vegetable mixture before baking for added protein.

10. Can I use a different type of potato? You can use any type of potato for this recipe. Russet potatoes are ideal for baking, but you can also try using Yukon gold or red potatoes for a different texture.