This Vegetable Casserole with Sauce is an incredibly delicious dish that is easy to prepare and sure to impress your family. With fresh ingredients like cauliflower, broccoli, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes combined with a creamy sauce and cheese, this dish is perfect for any meal. Let’s get started!
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 350g (12 oz) cauliflower
- 350g (12 oz) broccoli
- 50 ml (1/4 cup) milk
- 1 raw sweet red pepper
- 1 raw sweet yellow pepper
- 100g (3.5 oz) cherry tomatoes
- 5 chicken eggs
- 100 ml (1/2 cup) cream (20% fat)
- 150g (5.3 oz) hard mozzarella cheese, grated
- Some vegetable oil
- Salt, ground black pepper, dried ground oregano to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and cut 350g of cauliflower and 350g of broccoli into florets.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and blanch the cauliflower and broccoli for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Chop 1 raw sweet red pepper and 1 raw sweet yellow pepper into bite-sized pieces.
- Halve 100g of cherry tomatoes.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a bowl, beat 5 chicken eggs.
- Add 100 ml of cream (20% fat) and 50 ml of milk. Mix well.
- Season with salt, ground black pepper, and dried ground oregano to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
- Grease a baking dish with a little vegetable oil.
- Spread the blanched cauliflower and broccoli evenly in the baking dish.
- Add the chopped red and yellow peppers and halved cherry tomatoes on top of the cauliflower and broccoli.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture over the vegetables, making sure it spreads evenly.
- Sprinkle 150g of grated hard mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly before cutting into portions.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- This vegetable casserole is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread. It’s great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Cooking Tips
- Even Cooking: Make sure to cut the vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to use other types of cheese like cheddar or gouda if you prefer.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a bit of heat.
Nutritional Benefits
- Cauliflower and Broccoli: Packed with vitamins and minerals, and high in fiber.
- Eggs: Provide high-quality protein.
- Cheese: Adds calcium and a delicious flavor.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, just ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free if necessary.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple preparation with fresh ingredients.
- Versatile: Great for any meal and easily customizable.
- Delicious Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with vegetables.
- Nutritious: A well-rounded meal that is both nutritious and satisfying.
Conclusion
Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make Vegetable Casserole with Sauce. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
- Yes, you can add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, feel free to use cheddar, gouda, or any other cheese you prefer.
- Is it necessary to blanch the vegetables?
- Blanching helps to soften the vegetables and reduce cooking time, but you can skip this step if you prefer a crunchier texture.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.
- Can I use milk instead of cream?
- Yes, but the texture will be less creamy.
- How do I know when the casserole is done?
- The casserole is done when the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Can I freeze the casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- What can I serve with this casserole?
- It pairs well with a fresh salad, bread, or a side of roasted vegetables.
- How can I make this dish vegan?
- Substitute the eggs and cream with plant-based alternatives, and use vegan cheese.
- Can I add meat to this casserole?
- Yes, cooked chicken, ham, or bacon can be added for a non-vegetarian version.