Layered Vegetable Bake is a delicious, healthy, and colorful dish that combines fresh vegetables with a blend of aromatic herbs and cheese. This dish is perfect for those who love to enjoy a nutritious yet flavorful meal. It is easy to prepare and can be served as a main course or a side dish. The combination of different vegetables creates a wonderful texture and taste, making it a favorite for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 eggplant, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Vegetables – Wash and slice all vegetables into even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add the sliced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Layering the Vegetables – Arrange the sliced potatoes as the first layer in the baking dish, followed by zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Scatter the sautéed onion and garlic over the layers.
- Seasoning the Layers – Sprinkle each layer with dried oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Add Spinach and Cheese – Spread fresh spinach leaves over the vegetable layers and sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese generously.
- Pour the Cream – Evenly pour the heavy cream over the layers to create a creamy texture and prevent the vegetables from drying out.
- Final Cheese Topping – Sprinkle an extra layer of cheese on top for a golden and crispy finish.
- Bake the Dish – Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Check for Doneness – Insert a fork into the vegetables; if they are tender, your dish is ready.
- Rest Before Serving – Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve and Enjoy – Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm as a main course or side dish.