Mediterranean Oat Bake: A Wholesome and Flavorful Vegetarian Delight

The Mediterranean Oat Bake is a savory, nutrient-packed dish that combines the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with the heartiness of oats. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a light dinner, this bake features a delicious blend of feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, and aromatic herbs. It’s not only a great way to enjoy the health benefits of oats in a new form but also a fantastic option for a vegetarian meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a new brunch favorite or a healthy, make-ahead meal, this Mediterranean Oat Bake is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 150 g rolled or porridge oats
• 150 g feta cheese, diced or crumbled
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium courgette (zucchini), grated and squeezed dry
• Use one jar of roasted bell peppers, or alternatively, combine half red and half yellow peppers. Ensure all seeds are removed and chop the peppers into large, uneven pieces for added texture.
• 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, chopped)
• 1 heaped tbsp finely chopped fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, basil, chives)
• 1½ teaspoons of a combined dried herb mix, such as Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence.
• 1 teaspoon of garlic granules or alternatively, one clove of garlic finely minced.
• 1 tsp salt
• ⅓ tsp black pepper
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 50 g butter, melted
• A little olive oil for drizzling on top

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Finely chop the red onion and roughly chop the roasted pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, and black olives.
   • Grate the courgette (zucchini) and place it in a clean kitchen towel.
   • Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent the bake from becoming too wet.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, mixed seeds, mixed dried herbs, garlic granules (or fresh garlic), salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the Vegetables and Feta:
   • Stir in the chopped red onion, courgette, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the melted butter. Pour this mixture over the oat and vegetable mixture. Add the finely chopped fresh herbs. Mix everything together until well combined.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly and pressing down gently to compact it. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help it crisp up as it bakes.
7. Bake:
   • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the bake is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the oat bake to cool in the dish for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This will help it set and make it easier to cut into portions.
   • Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Oat Bake is a versatile and wholesome dish that brings together the bold flavors of the Mediterranean in a unique and delicious way. The combination of oats, vegetables, nuts, and cheese makes it both filling and nutritious. Perfect for meal prep, this bake can be enjoyed hot or cold and pairs well with a fresh green salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt. It’s a wonderful addition to your recipe repertoire, offering a tasty alternative to the usual quiches and frittatas.