If you’re on the hunt for a wholesome and easy-to-make meal, look no further than this Vegetable Bake. Featuring a vibrant mix of carrots, potatoes, and zucchini, it’s a nutritious and customizable dish, perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with flavor and fresh ingredients, this veggie-packed bake is sure to become a household favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 ounces (about 0.8 pounds) of carrots, potatoes, and zucchini (grated)
- 5.5 ounces of onions (finely chopped)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, or dill)
For Breading:
- 3 tablespoons of ready-made vegan breadcrumbs OR
- 2 slices of whole-grain bread (blended into crumbs)
For Egg Replacement:
- 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 9 tablespoons of water (let sit for 10-15 minutes to gel) OR
- 3/4 cup of unsweetened plant-based yogurt (such as almond or soy yogurt)
Instructions for the Perfect Vegetable Bake
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the ingredients. This will ensure the oven is ready when the vegetable mix is complete.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Grate the carrots, potatoes, and zucchini.
- Important tip: To avoid a soggy bake, squeeze out excess liquid from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Finely chop the onions and mince the garlic.
3. Mix Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated vegetables, onions, and garlic.
- Add the flaxseed/chia seed mixture (or plant-based yogurt) to bind the vegetables together.
- Stir in the vegetable oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
- Mix everything until well combined.
4. Prepare the Breading:
- If using whole-grain bread, blend the slices into breadcrumbs using a food processor.
- Incorporate the breadcrumbs evenly into the vegetable mixture for added texture.
5. Bake:
- Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Spread the vegetable mixture evenly in the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is firm.
6. Serve:
Allow the bake to cool slightly before slicing to ensure clean cuts. Serve it warm for the best flavor!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approximation):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 4g
Note: Nutrition values may vary slightly based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Additional Tips & Variations
Herb Variations 🌿
Want to switch up the flavor? Experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to give the dish a unique twist.
Cheesy Flavor 🧀
Craving a cheesy touch? Sprinkle nutritional yeast into the vegetable mixture to create that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Pairing Suggestions 🍚
For a heartier meal, serve the vegetable bake with quinoa, brown rice, or a side of leafy greens for a complete and balanced dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome and Hearty: Packed with fresh vegetables, it’s both nutritious and filling.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in other vegetables, herbs, or spices to suit your tastes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for meal prepping—enjoy it fresh from the oven or chilled as a cold side salad.
This Vegetable Bake is not just a delicious dinner option, but also a fantastic way to use up those extra veggies in your fridge. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or prepping meals for the week, this recipe will leave you satisfied and nourished.
Enjoy your meal!
