This Very Tasty Vegetable Casserole is a delightful combination of grated zucchinis and potatoes, layered with caramelized onions and tender mushrooms. Topped with crispy breadcrumbs and optional mozzarella cheese, this casserole is both hearty and delicious. Perfect as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 zucchinis
- 2 large potatoes
- 3 eggs
- 100 grams of flour
- 1 onion, diced
- Vegetable oil or fat for frying
- 200 grams of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mozzarella cheese, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Zucchinis:
- Grate the zucchinis using a coarse grater, then sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release excess water.
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Grate the potatoes, then rinse them with water to remove excess starch.
- Squeeze out the water from both the zucchinis and potatoes using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Combine Vegetables:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchinis and potatoes.
- Add the eggs to the bowl and mix everything together.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour to the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously until well combined and a thick batter forms.
- Cook Onions and Mushrooms:
- In a separate frying pan, heat some vegetable oil or fat over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion to the pan and fry until golden brown and caramelized.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan with onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish with vegetable oil or fat. Sprinkle the bottom of the dish with breadcrumbs.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Spread half of the vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle a layer of breadcrumbs over the vegetables.
- Spread the cooked mushrooms and onions evenly over the breadcrumbs.
- If using, arrange slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the mushrooms.
- Cover the mushroom layer with the remaining vegetable mixture.
- Sprinkle another layer of breadcrumbs on top of the casserole and drizzle lightly with oil.
- Bake:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Cooking Tips:
- Moisture Removal: Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out the water from the zucchinis and potatoes to prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy.
- Layering: Ensure even layers for better texture and flavor distribution.
- Breadcrumbs: Adding breadcrumbs between layers helps to absorb moisture and adds a delicious crunch.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Zucchini: Low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Potatoes: Provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, B6, and potassium.
- Mushrooms: Good source of B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants.
- Eggs: High-quality protein and rich in vitamins and minerals.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Nut-Free: Contains no nuts, making it safe for those with nut allergies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful Layers: Each layer brings its own unique flavor, from the savory vegetables to the creamy cheese.
- Crispy Top: The breadcrumbs create a deliciously crispy top layer.
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein from fresh vegetables and eggs.
- Versatile: Can be served as a main dish or a hearty side.
Conclusion:
This Very Tasty Vegetable Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the best of fresh vegetables with creamy cheese and a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s easy to prepare and versatile enough to be served as a main course or a side dish. Enjoy it hot, straight from the oven, and relish in the compliments from your family and friends!