Ingredients for Vegetable Casserole Gratin (Serves 4)
Before you start, make sure all of your ingredients are fresh and ready to go. This combination will bring flavor, texture, and a rainbow of nutrients to your table.
2 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 large potato, peeled and thinly sliced
2.5 dl broccoli florets
2.5 dl cauliflower florets 1.2 dl corn kernels (frozen or canned)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2.5 dl whipping cream 2.5 dl
whole milk
1 tbsp butter 1 tbsp
wheat flour
2.5 dl grated cheese for gratin (Manchego, mozzarella or Gouda)
Salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste
Olive oil for frying
Each vegetable brings its own personality: the potato adds richness, the broccoli and cauliflower provide structure and nutrients, and the corn adds a lovely sweetness.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish with butter or oil.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables.
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
Add the carrots, zucchini, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and corn.
Sauté for 5-7 minutes, without cooking them all the way through, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 3: Make the white sauce.
Melt the butter in another saucepan, add the flour and stir for a minute until a sauce forms.
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until the mixture thickens.
Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg.
Step 4: Assemble the casserole
. Place the roasted vegetables in a baking dish.
Pour the white sauce over them and stir gently to coat all the vegetables.
Step 5: Gratinize.
Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 6: Let it rest and serve.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This will allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up when you cut it.
Tips and tricks for making the perfect casserole
: Do you like your cheese crispy? Turn on the grill for the last 3-5 minutes.
Add spinach, mushrooms or peppers to give it your own flavor.
For a lighter version, you can use skim milk and low-fat cheese.
Pair it with a fresh salad or white rice for a complete and balanced meal.
A comforting dish you'll want to make again and again:
This gratin vegetable casserole is one of those recipes that warms the soul. Nutritious, tasty, and easy to make, it'll become a staple in your kitchen.
There's no better way to fall in love with vegetables than with a generous layer of melted cheese on top!
