This Zucchini Casserole is a delightful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and creamy cheese, it’s not only delicious but also healthy. It’s easy to prepare and makes a great addition to your recipe collection, especially for those looking to enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchinis
- 150g cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- 150g single cream
- 80g rice flour
- 150g mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion
- 5 eggs
- 2 carrots
- Black pepper, to taste
- Paprika powder, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Slice the zucchinis evenly and spread them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and paprika powder. Mix well.
- Cook in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel and slice the onion.
- Trim, peel, and slice the carrots.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan.
- Add the onion and fry for about 2 minutes.
- Add the carrots and fry for another 4-5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Remove the zucchini from the oven and place them in a casserole dish (careful, it’s hot!).
- Add the fried carrots and onions.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and spread them on top of the dish.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- Crack the eggs into a bowl, add salt and pepper, and stir well.
- Add the cream and stir.
- Add the rice flour and stir well until there are no lumps.
- Pour the mixture gently over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Cook in the oven for about 20 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
- Grate the mozzarella cheese.
- Add the Cheese:
- After 20 minutes, take out the casserole (careful, it’s hot!).
- Spread the grated cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Cook in the oven for another 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven (careful, it’s hot!).
- You can serve it right away, piping hot, or let it cool to room temperature.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a fresh green salad and crusty bread.
- Pair with a light white wine or a refreshing lemonade.
- Enjoy as a main dish or as a side to grilled meats.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the zucchini is evenly sliced for uniform cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in vitamins A and C from the zucchini and carrots.
- Good source of protein from the eggs and mozzarella cheese.
- Contains healthy fats from olive oil and cream.
Dietary Information:
- This recipe is vegetarian.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the rice flour is certified gluten-free.
- Can be adapted for dairy-free diets by using dairy-free cream and cheese.
Conclusion:
This Zucchini Casserole is a versatile and delightful dish that will quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal option or a comforting dish to share with family and friends, this recipe has it all. Enjoy the blend of fresh vegetables, creamy texture, and cheesy goodness with every bite. Happy cooking