Savory Vegetable Bake with Cheese: A Hearty, Healthy Meal
Looking for a hearty, nutritious, and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with vegetables? This savory vegetable bake, enriched with cheese and baked to perfection, is just what you need. Whether you’re a fan of comforting baked dishes or simply want to make a healthy, filling meal for the family, this recipe is a fantastic option. It combines wholesome ingredients like potatoes, carrots, onions, and cheese to create a satisfying dish.
In this recipe, wholemeal flour is used to create a light yet wholesome batter, while the fresh vegetables provide a rich texture and flavor. The cheese on top adds a creamy, melty finish, making this dish a hit at any gathering or even as a cozy weeknight dinner. Not only is it filling and nutritious, but it’s also easy to customize with different vegetables and cheeses.
Let’s dive into how to prepare this delightful vegetable bake.
Ingredients
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and grated
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt (to taste)
- Chopped chives
- 3 eggs
- 300 milliliters of milk
- 200 grams of wholemeal flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 150 grams of grated cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Before we begin with the batter, we’ll need to prepare the vegetables.
- Grate and peel the potatoes: After peeling, slice them thinly and transfer them into a large mixing bowl.
- Chop the onion finely and add it to the bowl with the potatoes.
- Peel and grate the carrot, then finely chop the bell pepper. Add these to the mixing bowl.
These vegetables will provide the base of your bake, contributing to its rich and hearty texture.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Next, we’ll sauté the vegetables to soften them up a bit before baking.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and grated potatoes to the pan. Sauté the vegetables until they become slightly tender, which should take about 7-10 minutes.
- Add a pinch of salt to taste, then stir in some chopped chives to give the vegetables a fresh, fragrant note.
- Once the vegetables are slightly softened, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Batter
While the vegetables are cooling slightly, let’s move on to the batter.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are well mixed.
- Gradually add the milk to the beaten eggs, stirring constantly to form a smooth mixture.
- In another bowl, mix the wholemeal flour with the baking powder.
- Gradually add the flour mixture into the egg and milk mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The batter should be smooth and thick.
4. Combine Vegetables and Batter
Now that both the sautéed vegetables and batter are ready, it’s time to combine them.
- Gently fold the sautéed vegetables into the batter, ensuring that everything is evenly distributed.
- Allow the mixture to rest for 15 minutes, which will help the flavors meld and allow the batter to rise slightly during baking.
5. Bake the Dish
Now we’re ready to bake the vegetable mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with some olive oil.
- Pour the vegetable and batter mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the mixture is set and the top is lightly browned.
6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once the vegetable bake has set, it’s time for the cheesy topping.
- Remove the dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the bake.
- Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once fully baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. The bake will be easier to slice and serve once slightly cooled.
Slice into portions and serve warm. This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a light side salad.
Tips for the Perfect Vegetable Bake
- Choose Your Vegetables Wisely: While this recipe calls for potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, you can easily substitute or add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for more variety.
- Make it Gluten-Free: If you want to make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the wholemeal flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with the type of cheese you use. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a mix of cheeses can add different flavor profiles to your bake.
- Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary can be added to the batter or sprinkled on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetable mixture and batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to give it a good stir before transferring it to the baking dish.
2. How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat portions in the oven or microwave.
3. Can I freeze this vegetable bake?
Yes, this dish freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake in a 180°C (350°F) oven until heated through.
4. Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! If you don’t have wholemeal flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour or another flour of your choice. Just keep in mind that different flours may affect the texture slightly.
5. What can I serve with this bake?
This vegetable bake is quite filling on its own, but you can pair it with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or a protein like grilled chicken for a more complete meal.
This savory vegetable bake is the perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and indulgent cheese, making it a great dish for family meals or gatherings. Enjoy!