This Vegetable Casserole is a flavorful medley of tender vegetables, seasoned perfectly and topped with melted cheese. Served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, it’s a comforting and healthy dish that’s perfect as a main course or side.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 200 g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 carrot, grated or finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- Paprika, to taste
- 3 tbsp flour
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- 150 g cheese, grated
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Dill, finely chopped
Directions
Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and cook the cauliflower florets for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the mushrooms, carrot, and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until combined.
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Gradually add the flour, whisking to ensure no lumps.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Spread the cooked cauliflower evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the sautéed vegetables on top of the cauliflower.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and chopped dill.
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt sauce on the side.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.
- Garnish with extra dill or parsley for a fresh finish.
- Add a slice of crusty bread for a hearty pairing.
- Enjoy with a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting dinner.
Cooking Tips
- Do not overcook the cauliflower; it should remain slightly crisp to hold its shape in the casserole.
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for extra flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- For a vegetarian version, omit mayonnaise in the yogurt sauce and use all yogurt.
Nutritional Benefits
- Cauliflower: High in fiber and low in calories.
- Vegetables: Provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Cheese: Adds calcium and richness.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Gluten-free if flour is substituted with a gluten-free alternative.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Serves 6)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with fresh vegetables and cheesy goodness.
- Versatile as a main dish or side.
- Healthy and satisfying with a creamy yogurt sauce.
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or cheese.
Conclusion
This Vegetable Casserole with Cheese and Yogurt Sauce is a wholesome and flavorful dish that combines the richness of melted cheese with the freshness of a variety of vegetables. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the casserole and bake it fresh when ready to serve.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, thaw and drain them well before using.
- What cheese works best? Mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda are great choices.
- Can I skip the yogurt sauce? Yes, but it adds a refreshing flavor that complements the dish.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, freeze after baking and reheat in the oven.
- What can I substitute for mayonnaise? Use all yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- Can I add protein? Yes, cooked chicken or tofu can be added to the vegetables.
- How do I ensure the casserole isn’t watery? Drain cooked cauliflower well and avoid overloading with tomatoes.
- Can I make this vegan? Use plant-based cheese, yogurt, and egg substitutes.