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Vegetable Bake

This vegetable bake is a versatile, forgiving dish that transforms a jumble of leftover vegetables into a warm, cheesy casserole. It combines pre-cooked and raw vegetables layered with cheese and breadcrumbs, resulting in a bubbling, golden-brown top with tender vegetables inside. Perfect for lazy Sundays or weeknight dinners, it’s an easy way to enjoy comforting, improvised home cooking.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini, greens) chopped or sliced as needed
  • 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or preferred) for topping
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs to add crunch
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing and drizzling
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme or rosemary) or fresh herbs if available
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sharp Knife
  • Sauté pan
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Gather all your ingredients and prepare a baking dish.
  2. Chop or slice your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. If using root vegetables like carrots, sauté them briefly in a pan with a splash of olive oil until they start to soften and smell sweet.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw and pre-cooked vegetables. Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss everything together until evenly coated.
  4. Transfer the vegetable mixture into your baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a nice layer.
  5. Sprinkle a generous layer of grated cheese over the top of the vegetables for that cheesy, gooey finish.
  6. Evenly distribute breadcrumbs over the cheese layer, then drizzle a little olive oil over the breadcrumbs to help them crisp up during baking.
  7. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling, and the vegetables are tender.
  8. Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
  9. Serve hot, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil for extra brightness. Enjoy the cozy, cheesy aroma and tender vegetables.