This vegetable casserole is a wonderful way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a tasty, comforting meal, perfect for any day of the week. The accompanying dip adds a fresh, creamy touch that complements the flavors of the casserole beautifully. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients for the Casserole:
- 2 large Potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 Carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 small Cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 small Broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 Leek, cleaned and sliced
- 1 Bell Pepper, sliced
- 3 Eggs
- 400 ml Milk, divided into two parts
- 130g (1 cup) Flour
- 5 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 150g (1 1/2 cups) Cheese, grated (choose a type that melts well, like cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon Salt (divided for different uses)
- Black Pepper, to taste
- French spices (such as a blend of thyme, rosemary, and marjoram)
- Olive oil for frying
Ingredients for the Dip:
- 2 tablespoons Greek Yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 small Cucumber, grated or finely chopped
- Dill, chopped
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cook the Vegetables:
- Boil Vegetables: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the sliced potatoes, carrot, cauliflower, and broccoli. Cook for about 3 minutes until just tender. Drain the vegetables and set them aside to cool.
Prepare the Leek and Pepper:
- Fry Leek: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leek and fry for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Cook Pepper: Add the sliced pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
Make the Batter:
- Whisk Eggs and Milk: In a bowl, whisk the eggs with half of the milk (200 ml).
- Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the remaining milk, remaining salt, black pepper, and French spices to form a smooth batter.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer Vegetables: In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, leeks, and peppers.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter over the vegetables, ensuring it spreads evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheese on top.
Bake:
- Bake Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Prepare the Dip:
- Mix Dip Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, grated cucumber, and chopped dill. Mix well.
Serve:
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Serve with the yogurt cucumber dip on the side.
Additional Information
Serving Suggestions:
- Main Course: Serve as a main course with a light green salad.
- Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal.
- Brunch: Perfect for a brunch spread with fresh fruit and bread.
Cooking Tips:
- Avoid Overcooking: Do not overcook the vegetables when boiling; they should be just tender.
- Batter Consistency: Ensure the batter is smooth and lump-free for even baking.
- Cheese Variation: Experiment with different melting cheeses like Gruyere or Gouda for varied flavors.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Vegetable-Rich: Packed with a variety of vegetables providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- High in Protein: Eggs and cheese add a good source of protein.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil and cheese provide healthy fats.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Customizable: Can be adapted to include other vegetables or dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Versatile: A great way to use a variety of vegetables.
- Comforting: The combination of creamy batter and melted cheese is comforting and satisfying.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and common ingredients make it easy to prepare.
Conclusion:
This Vegetable Casserole with Yogurt Cucumber Dip is a delightful and nutritious meal option. The blend of tender vegetables, creamy batter, and melted cheese makes it a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the fresh, creamy dip that perfectly complements the flavors of the casserole!