Vegetable Bake with Creamy Sauce

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Delicious vegetable bake topped with creamy sauce, fresh veggies, and cheese

Vegetable Bake with Creamy Sauce

Looking for a comforting and delicious dish that’s packed with nutrients? This Vegetable Bake with Creamy Sauce is the perfect choice! Bursting with flavors and textures, it combines an array of vibrant vegetables smothered in a rich, creamy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and can be customized to your liking. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe!

Ingredients

US Measurements:

  • 10.5 ounces broccoli, chopped into florets
  • 10.5 ounces cauliflower, chopped into florets
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • Olive oil, for sautéing
  • 14 ounces butter
  • 2 tablespoons plain flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Herbs de Provence
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried garlic
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

European Metric Measurements:

  • 300 grams broccoli, chopped into florets
  • 300 grams cauliflower, chopped into florets
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • Olive oil, for sautéing
  • 400 grams butter
  • 30 grams plain flour
  • 240 ml chicken broth
  • 240 ml whipping cream
  • Salt, to taste
  • 5 grams Herbs de Provence
  • 15 grams grated Parmesan cheese
  • 5 grams dried garlic
  • 225 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by cutting the broccoli and cauliflower into florets. Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds.

  2. Steam the Vegetables: In a steamer, steam the broccoli, cauliflower, and potatoes until they are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.

  3. Sauté the Onion and Carrot: In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil along with a generous amount of butter. Once the butter melts, add the chopped onion and diced carrot. Sauté until they are soft and the onion is translucent, around 5-7 minutes.

  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt an additional amount of butter (about 2 tablespoons) over medium heat. Add the plain flour and whisk continuously until a roux forms, about 2 minutes. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the whipping cream, salt, Herbs de Provence, grated Parmesan, and dried garlic. Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce thickens.

  5. Assemble the Bake: Grease a porcelain baking dish with butter. Layer the steamed broccoli, cauliflower, and potatoes in the dish. Evenly distribute the sautéed onions and carrots on top.

  6. Pour the Sauce: Carefully pour the creamy sauce over the arranged vegetables. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.

  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

  8. Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with crusty bread or rice, and consider adding a protein on the side for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6
  • Nutritional Information (per serving): Approximately 450 calories, 30g fat, 35g carbohydrates, 12g protein.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  1. Add Depth of Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the creamy sauce before whisking in the chicken broth. The acidity will enhance the overall taste of the bake.

  2. Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

  3. Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella provides a lovely gooey texture, feel free to substitute or combine it with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor profile.

Possible Variations

  1. Add Protein: To make this dish heartier, consider adding cooked chicken or crumbled sausage to the vegetable layers before pouring on the sauce. It turns the bake into a complete meal.

  2. Go Vegetarian: If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This variation keeps the recipe equally delicious while catering to vegetarian diets.

Try this Vegetable Bake with Creamy Sauce for your next meal, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in each bite! It’s not just a feast for the taste buds, but a colorful and healthy addition to your table. Enjoy!