Vegetable Casserole

Vegetable Casserole Recipe from Sweden | Carrots, Green Beans, Cauliflower

Region / culture: Sweden | Servings: 6

Introduction

Vegetable casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. Packed with a variety of colorful vegetables and a creamy sauce, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

The origins of vegetable casserole can be traced back to traditional European cuisine, where casseroles were a popular way to make use of seasonal vegetables and leftovers. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a wide variety of vegetables and sauces, making it a versatile and customizable dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

3 medium carrots, sliced
8 oz (227 g) green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
0.5 small head cauliflower
1 small onion, sliced
2 tbsp butter or margarine
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp salt
0.13 tsp pepper
0.5 cup whipping cream
0.25 cup grated cheese

How to prepare

Heat 1 inch of salted water to boiling.
Add carrots, beans, cauliflower, and onion.
Heat to boiling, then reduce heat.
Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes.
Drain vegetables, reserving 1 cup of liquid.
Place vegetables in an ungreased baking dish.
Heat butter over low heat.
Blend in flour, salt, and pepper.
Cook over low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
Stir in reserved liquid and whipping cream.
Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
Boil and stir for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Pour sauce over vegetables and sprinkle with cheese.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein.
Use different vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative to make it vegan.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

- You can customize the sauce by adding different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

- For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the vegetable casserole as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the vegetables before baking ensures they are tender but still retain their vibrant colors.

- Making a roux for the sauce helps thicken it and adds a rich flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute whole milk for the whipping cream for a lighter sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetable casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add the sauce and cheese before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the vegetable casserole with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 23g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120% DV

- Vitamin C: 60% DV

- Calcium: 15% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese, whipping cream)

Summary

This vegetable casserole is a well-balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious option for a wholesome meal.

Summary

Vegetable casserole is a classic dish that is both comforting and nutritious. With a creamy sauce and a variety of colorful vegetables, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Vegetable Casserole. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new ingredients and flavors, and I was constantly amazed by the delicious dishes she would create.

One day, as I sat in her cozy kitchen watching her prepare dinner, she pulled out a faded, stained piece of paper from her recipe box. On it was written the ingredients and instructions for a Vegetable Casserole that she had learned from a dear friend many years ago. As she read through the recipe, I could see the excitement in her eyes, and I knew that this dish was something special.

I watched as she gathered the vegetables – carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers – and began to chop them into bite-sized pieces. She then sautéed them in a bit of olive oil until they were tender and fragrant, adding in some garlic and herbs for extra flavor. Next, she mixed in a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, and milk, which she seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg.

As the vegetables simmered in the sauce, filling the kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma, my grandmother explained to me the importance of layering the ingredients in the casserole dish – first the vegetables, then a sprinkling of cheese, followed by a layer of breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. She then placed the dish in the oven to bake, and we eagerly waited for the casserole to bubble and brown to perfection.

When the timer finally dinged, signaling that the Vegetable Casserole was ready, my grandmother carefully removed it from the oven and set it on the table for us to enjoy. As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the dish and was blown away by the explosion of flavors and textures in my mouth. The vegetables were tender and flavorful, the sauce creamy and rich, and the topping crunchy and golden-brown.

From that day on, Vegetable Casserole became a staple in our family’s dinner rotation, and I made sure to learn the recipe by heart so that I could recreate it for my own family one day. Over the years, I have made some adjustments and additions to the original recipe, adding in different vegetables and herbs to suit my own tastes. But the essence of the dish – the creamy sauce, the crunchy topping, and the comforting warmth it brings – remains the same.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of Vegetable Casserole from generation to generation. And each time I make it, I am reminded of that fateful day in my grandmother’s kitchen, when I first learned the magic of cooking and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

So here it is, my beloved recipe for Vegetable Casserole, a dish that holds a special place in my heart and brings happiness and comfort to all who taste it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and that it brings you as much joy and warmth as it has brought me over the years. Bon appétit!