This recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make, vegetable-packed dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. It’s baked to perfection, full of flavor, and requires no frying—making it a lighter, healthier alternative to meat-based meals. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (about 0.8 lbs / 340 g) carrots, potatoes, and zucchini
- 5.5 oz (160 g) onions
- 3 eggs
- 2–3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (30 ml)
- 1 tsp salt (5 g)
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley)
- 3 tbsp ready-made breadcrumbs (or 2 slices of bran bread)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
Start by cleaning and peeling all the vegetables, except the garlic. Using a coarse grater, grate the carrots, potatoes, and zucchini. This will create the base for your delicious veggie dish. Peel and finely chop the onions, and set everything aside.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to get it ready for baking. Prepare a baking dish by greasing the bottom and sides with vegetable oil to prevent the mixture from sticking.
Step 2: Breading (If Using Bran Bread)
If you’re using bran bread instead of ready-made breadcrumbs, here’s how to make your own breading.
Take 2 slices of bran bread and blend them into fine crumbs using a food processor. Once processed, spread the crumbs on a baking sheet and bake them for about 5 minutes at 200°C until they become golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Mixing It All Together
Now it’s time to bring everything together!
In a large bowl, combine the grated vegetables, onions, breadcrumbs (or your homemade bran crumbs), squeezed garlic, and freshly chopped herbs like parsley. These herbs will add a wonderful freshness to the dish.
In a separate bowl, beat 3 eggs. Add the salt, pepper, and vegetable oil to the beaten eggs and mix well. This will help to bind the vegetable mixture together and provide a nice, light texture.
Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and stir everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. The result should be a vibrant, colorful mixture that’s full of flavor.
Step 4: Baking the Dish
Now that your vegetable mixture is ready, spread it evenly into the greased baking dish. Press the mixture down slightly to compact it, ensuring it cooks evenly and holds together well.
Lower the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and place the dish in the oven. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy. The aroma of baked vegetables and garlic will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
Serving Suggestions
Once your dish is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference, and works beautifully as either a main course or a side dish. Pair it with a crisp, fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Get creative with toppings or sauces to suit your taste—try a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Benefits
This baked vegetable dish is not only incredibly tasty, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Carrots, potatoes, and zucchini are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to good health. Eggs provide high-quality protein, making this dish filling and nutritious. Plus, since there’s no frying involved, it’s lower in unnecessary calories and fats, making it a guilt-free indulgence!
Variations
This recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to swap out vegetables or add in extra ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Different Vegetables: Substitute the carrots, potatoes, or zucchini with other vegetables like sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or bell peppers.
- Cheese: Add grated cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan to the mixture for a richer flavor and a gooey, cheesy texture.
- Protein Boost: Incorporate diced ham, bacon, or even cooked lentils to add a protein punch.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like cumin, paprika, or chili flakes to add a kick of flavor.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your vegetables and herbs, the better your dish will taste. Try using locally sourced or garden-fresh veggies when possible.
- Double the Recipe: This dish freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep. Double the recipe, bake it in two separate dishes, and freeze one for later. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven for a quick and easy meal.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to play around with herbs and spices. Fresh dill, thyme, or oregano can add new dimensions of flavor to the dish. For a more intense flavor, add some sautéed onions or roasted garlic.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 4 portions
Calories per Serving: 180 kcal
Total Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg
Sodium: 350 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15 g
Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 4 g
Protein: 6 g
This veggie dish is an easy, healthy, and delicious alternative to meat-based meals. The blend of grated carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and fresh herbs combined with the rich egg mixture creates a light, fluffy bake that’s packed with flavor and texture. With no frying or fussing required, it’s the perfect recipe for those looking for a nutritious, tasty, and hassle-free dish that the whole family will love!
