This delightful veggie casserole is a perfect dish for any meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and creamy cheeses, it’s both nutritious and delicious. Ideal for a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchini
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 450 grams mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 250 grams cream cheese or ricotta
- 1 egg
- 100 grams mozzarella cheese
- 60 grams Parmesan cheese
- Ketchup
- Parsley
- Vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- Chives
Directions:
- Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Slice the zucchini, chop the onion and carrot, and slice the mushrooms.
- Cooking the Vegetables:
- Heat some vegetable oil in a large pan.
- Sauté the onion until translucent.
- Add the carrot and cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Mixing:
- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the tomato paste and mix well.
- In another bowl, mix the cream cheese or ricotta with the egg until smooth.
- Stir in the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Add salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley to taste.
- Assembling the Casserole:
- Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil.
- Layer half of the zucchini slices at the bottom of the dish.
- Spread half of the vegetable mixture over the zucchini.
- Repeat with the remaining zucchini and vegetable mixture.
- Spread a layer of ketchup over the top.
- Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
- Baking:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Finishing Touch:
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped chives.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
- This casserole pairs well with a glass of white wine.
Cooking Tips:
- You can substitute the vegetables with any of your favorites or what you have on hand.
- For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes to the vegetable mixture.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables.
- Good source of protein from the cheeses and egg.
- Low in carbs and high in fiber.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Can be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s easy to prepare and customize with your favorite veggies and cheeses.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
- Delicious and nutritious, making it a great option for any meal.
Conclusion: This veggie casserole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that you’ll love adding to your meal rotation. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy cooking and sharing this wholesome recipe!