This vegetable and potato casserole with feta cheese is a flavorful, satisfying dish that blends hearty potatoes, nutritious vegetables, and creamy feta cheese into a delightful meal. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or a dish to serve at a gathering, this casserole is sure to please. The addition of sautéed vegetables and crumbled feta brings a savory and slightly tangy touch, while the creamy sauce on the side enhances the dish’s overall richness. This recipe is easy to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 eggs, boiled and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 100 grams feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 raw egg
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) flour
- 100 grams (1 cup) cheese, grated
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Boil the potatoes: Fill a pot with water and add the diced potatoes. Cook them until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Boil the eggs: In a separate pot, boil the eggs for about 10 minutes, then finely chop them once cooked.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Then, add the grated carrot, chopped green pepper, and red bell pepper. Stir the vegetables and cook until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add salt to potatoes: Five minutes before the potatoes are done, add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water to season them.
- Mix the ingredients: Drain the cooked potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the boiled eggs, sautéed vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, raw egg, and flour. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with the grated cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Prepare the sauce: While the casserole is baking, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with the sauce on the side.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
The origins of this vegetable and potato casserole with feta cheese trace back to Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisines, where potatoes, eggs, and cheese are commonly used in hearty, filling dishes. The combination of potatoes with sautéed vegetables is widely used in various cultures, offering a simple yet comforting meal. Feta cheese, known for its crumbly texture and tangy flavor, is a staple in Greek and Mediterranean cooking, often paired with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Over time, this type of casserole has gained popularity beyond its Mediterranean roots due to the growing appreciation for healthy, wholesome meals that are easy to prepare. Feta cheese’s ability to complement both savory and fresh ingredients makes it a versatile addition to many dishes, and its use in casseroles allows it to melt into the vegetables and potatoes, enhancing the dish with a rich, creamy texture.
The recipe’s simplicity and flexibility have made it a common choice for family dinners and meal prep. It is both nourishing and budget-friendly, using readily available ingredients to create a satisfying meal. The addition of a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce on the side gives it a modern twist, offering a tangy contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable and potato casserole with feta cheese is a crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes: it’s delicious, easy to make, and packed with nutrients. The creamy feta and rich sautéed vegetables balance the earthiness of the potatoes, while the cheese on top melts into a golden, bubbly crust. The casserole is hearty enough to be a main dish but light enough to pair with salads or other side dishes. Its flavor profile, combining savory, cheesy goodness with the freshness of vegetables, makes it incredibly satisfying.
The best part is the versatility of this recipe. You can add more vegetables based on your preferences or whatever you have on hand. If you’re a fan of a cheesy, melty topping, feel free to add extra cheese. Plus, this casserole can easily be made ahead of time and reheated, making it ideal for meal prep or a quick family meal after a busy day.
Health Benefits of the Recipe
This vegetable and potato casserole offers several health benefits thanks to its nutritious ingredients. Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates and fiber, providing energy and aiding in digestion. They also contain vitamins like Vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin health.
The vegetables—carrot, onion, and peppers—are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that support eye health, skin health, and overall well-being. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is beneficial for vision, while peppers provide Vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and protects against free radical damage.
Feta cheese adds protein and calcium to the dish, supporting muscle growth, bone health, and heart health. The raw egg provides additional protein, and the addition of olive oil helps promote healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
The yogurt and cucumber sauce served alongside provides a refreshing and probiotic-rich addition, promoting digestive health while balancing the richness of the casserole.
Serving Suggestions of the Recipe
This vegetable and potato casserole is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Pair with a green salad for a light yet filling meal. A simple mix of lettuce, spinach, and arugula will work well.
- Serve with roasted or grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal.
- Enjoy as a hearty brunch dish along with fresh fruit and a warm beverage.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness and tang.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce and casserole.
Tips
- If you prefer a smoother texture in the casserole, mash the potatoes slightly before mixing them with the other ingredients.
- You can make this recipe ahead of time by assembling it and storing it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time if cooking from cold.
- Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or peas for a different flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative such as rice flour or cornstarch.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version: Add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for an even more veggie-packed dish.
- Meat Lover’s Version: Add cooked ground beef or sausage for extra protein and a heartier dish.
- Spicy Version: Add some chili flakes or chopped fresh chili to the casserole mixture for a little kick.
- Herb Infused: Add herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil to the casserole for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This vegetable and potato casserole with feta cheese is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you enjoy it as a main course, a side dish, or a hearty brunch option, this casserole is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Mediterranean-inspired cooking with a twist. Paired with the refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce, it’s the perfect combination of savory and tangy that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
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Can I substitute the feta cheese? Yes, you can substitute feta with other cheeses such as goat cheese, ricotta, or mozzarella, depending on your preference.
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Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes would work great in this recipe and provide a slightly sweeter taste.
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Can I make this recipe without eggs? Yes, you can omit the eggs or replace them with a flax egg or chia egg for a vegan version.
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Is this casserole freezer-friendly? Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Just allow it to cool completely, cover it tightly, and store it in the freezer. Reheat thoroughly before serving.