Bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table with this hearty and nutritious Mediterranean Oat Bake. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a medley of vegetables and herbs, this dish is a delightful twist on traditional baked goods. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a light dinner, this savory oat bake is both filling and full of flavor. The combination of oats and eggs provides a satisfying base, while the Mediterranean-inspired toppings add a burst of color and taste. This dish is easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 150 g rolled or porridge oats
- 150 g feta cheese, diced or crumbled
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium courgette, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 jarred roasted pepper (or ½ red, ½ yellow), deseeded and roughly chopped
- 40 g sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 30 g black olives, roughly chopped
- 30 g chopped nuts (e.g., almond, cashew, hazelnut)
- 2 tbsp mixed seeds (large ones like pumpkin seeds are best, chopped)
- 1 heaped tbsp finely chopped herbs (e.g., parsley, basil, chives)
- 1½ tsp mixed dried herbs (e.g., Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence)
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅓ tsp black pepper
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 50 g butter, melted
- A little olive oil for the top
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare the baking dish by either greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, feta cheese, chopped red onion, grated courgette (be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture), chopped roasted pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, chopped nuts, and mixed seeds.
- Season the Mixture: Add the finely chopped fresh herbs, mixed dried herbs, garlic granules or fresh garlic, salt, and black pepper to the oat mixture.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour the beaten eggs and melted butter over the oat mixture. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the oats are evenly coated with the egg and butter mixture.
- Transfer to the Baking Dish: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Press down lightly with the back of a spoon to compact the mixture slightly. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help it brown and crisp up during baking.
- Bake the Oat Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bake is set in the middle. You should be able to insert a toothpick into the center and have it come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy the dish warm or at room temperature, and top with extra fresh herbs if you like.
Conclusion:
This Mediterranean Oat Bake is a delicious and versatile dish that brings together the wholesome goodness of oats with the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. Perfect for any time of day, it can be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a light dinner. The combination of feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives gives it a burst of savory flavor, while the nuts and seeds add a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it up for a gathering, this oat bake is sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!