Hearty Broccoli and Vegetable Casserole: A Flavorful and Nutritious Delight

This Hearty Broccoli and Vegetable Casserole is a wholesome and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. Packed with vibrant vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, and bound together with a creamy, cheesy custard, this casserole is both nutritious and satisfying. It’s a great way to use up fresh produce and makes for a wonderful side dish or a light main course. With its blend of savory flavors and rich texture, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this colorful, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish!

Ingredients:

• 300 g broccoli florets
• Water, for boiling
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 230 g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 5 eggs
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 200 ml heavy cream
• 100 g flour
• 70 g cheese, grated (Cheddar, Mozzarella, or your favorite cheese)
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking dish and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
   • In a pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil.
   • Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn vibrant green and are slightly tender.
   • Drain the broccoli and quickly plunge it into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking.
   • Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a spacious skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
   • Incorporate the grated carrot, diced bell peppers, and a dash of salt.
   • Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are just tender.
   • Mix in the chopped parsley and take off the heat.
4. Prepare the Casserole Base:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and heavy cream. Add the flour gradually, whisking until smooth and free of lumps. Stir in the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and curry powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Spread the blanched broccoli florets evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the sautéed vegetables and halved cherry tomatoes on top of the broccoli. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the vegetables, making sure everything is evenly covered.
6. Add the Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake the Casserole:
   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh dill and additional parsley if desired.

Conclusion:

This Hearty Broccoli and Vegetable Casserole is a delicious way to enjoy a medley of fresh vegetables in a comforting, creamy dish. The combination of tender broccoli, sweet bell peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes all baked together in a rich, cheesy custard makes this casserole a standout recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish is as versatile as it is tasty. Serve it on its own, or alongside a protein of your choice for a complete meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying texture of this wholesome casserole!