French-Style Oven-Baked Vegetables

This French-Style Oven-Baked Vegetables recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, elevating everyday vegetables to a gourmet level. The trick lies in combining tender, steamed vegetables with a rich, creamy sauce, then baking them to perfection with a golden, cheesy topping. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or the star of the meal, this recipe will impress with its delightful flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the Vegetables:

  • Broccoli: 10.5 oz (300 g), cut into florets
  • Cauliflower: 10.5 oz (300 g), cut into florets
  • Potatoes: 3, peeled and cut into thick slices
  • Carrot: 1, peeled and chopped
  • Onion: 1, chopped
  • Olive Oil: For cooking
  • Butter: For cooking

For the Sauce:

  • Butter: 1.4 oz (40 g)
  • Plain Flour: 2 tablespoons
  • Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Whipping Cream: Amount to taste (approximately 1/4 cup for a rich sauce)
  • Salt: To taste
  • Herbs de Provence: To taste
  • Parmesan: 1 tablespoon, grated
  • Dried Garlic: To taste
  • Mozzarella: Amount to taste, shredded

Preparation

1. Cutting and Steaming the Vegetables

  • Prepare the Vegetables: Start by cutting the broccoli and cauliflower into smaller florets. Peel the potatoes, wash them, and cut them into thicker slices.
  • Steam the Vegetables: Place the chopped vegetables in a saucepan with a steam insert or basket. Cover and steam until they are tender but still slightly firm, usually about 10-15 minutes. Once steamed, set them aside.

2. Sautéing Aromatics

  • Heat the Pan: In a pan, heat a mixture of olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  • Sauté Onions and Carrots: Add the chopped onion and carrot to the pan. Sauté until tender and fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The vegetables should be soft and slightly caramelized, adding depth to the dish.

3. Making the Sauce

Roux Preparation

  • Melt the Butter: In a separate saucepan, melt 1.4 oz (40 g) of butter over medium heat.
  • Add the Flour: Stir in 2 tablespoons of plain flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a smooth roux. This will take about 2-3 minutes and serves as the thickening base for the sauce.

Flavorful Broth Infusion

  • Add the Chicken Broth: Gradually pour 1 cup (240 ml) of chicken broth into the roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Creamy Indulgence

  • Add the Cream: Pour in a desired amount of whipping cream (about 1/4 cup) to enhance the richness of the sauce. Stir well to combine.
  • Season the Sauce: Season with salt, Herbs de Provence, grated Parmesan, and dried garlic. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few more minutes, stirring frequently until it is smooth and flavorful.

4. Assembling the Dish

  • Grease the Mold: Grease a porcelain or oven-safe dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • Layer the Vegetables: Arrange the steamed broccoli, cauliflower, and potatoes evenly in the dish. Scatter the sautéed onions and carrots over the top, adding a layer of flavor complexity.
  • Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables, making sure they are well coated. The sauce should seep into all the crevices, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

5. Baking in the Oven

  • Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the top for a cheesy finish.
  • Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling.

6. Serving Suggestions

  • Serve Hot: Serve your oven-baked vegetable medley hot, straight from the oven. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or fluffy rice, making it a versatile side or main course.
  • Pairing: For a complete meal, pair this vegetable dish with your favorite protein, such as roasted chicken or grilled fish. The richness of the sauce complements a variety of main courses, making it a perfect addition to any dinner table.

Why This Recipe Rocks

  • Simple Yet Sophisticated: This recipe uses basic ingredients and a simple technique to create a dish that tastes sophisticated and luxurious.
  • Versatile: The vegetables and seasonings can be easily adjusted to suit your taste or what you have on hand, making this a flexible and forgiving recipe.

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 500mg

This French-Style Oven-Baked Vegetables dish is the perfect way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a rich and creamy sauce. The combination of tender vegetables, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese creates a comforting and delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this elegant and satisfying dish with your family and friends!