Baked Mixed Vegetables Recipe
Overview:
This Baked Mixed Vegetables recipe holds a treasured place in my family, originating from my mother who received countless praises for it. Though her directions were vague, I’ve perfected it over the years, finally penning it down for others to enjoy. It’s a comforting dish, perfect for weeknights or any time you crave a wholesome veggie delight.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: Varies
Ingredients:
- 2 potatoes
- 1 carrot
- 2 cups green peas
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup cream (optional)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to a hot temperature. Meanwhile, peel and dice the potatoes and carrot. |
| 2 | Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir until it becomes bubbly. |
| 3 | Create Roux: Remove the saucepan from the heat and swiftly pour in the milk while stirring vigorously with a wire whisk to prevent lumps from forming. |
| 4 | Thicken Sauce: Return the saucepan to the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. As the sauce thickens, remove it from the heat. |
| 5 | Add Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the other half for later. Let the sauce cool slightly. |
| 6 | Season: To the sauce, add salt, freshly ground pepper, lemon juice, and sugar. If desired, incorporate the cream for added richness. Mix until well combined. |
| 7 | Assemble: Place all the prepared vegetables in an ovenproof dish. Pour the sauce evenly over the vegetables, lightly stirring to coat them. |
| 8 | Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the vegetables. Dot with 1 teaspoon of butter. |
| 9 | Bake: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. For a golden-brown finish, broil the dish under the grill for an additional 5 minutes. |
| 10 | Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this Baked Mixed Vegetables dish! |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 558.6
- Total Fat: 21.9g
- Saturated Fat: 13.2g
- Cholesterol: 64.5mg
- Sodium: 899.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 67g
- Dietary Fiber: 17.9g
- Sugar: 7.4g
- Protein: 25.9g
Tips:
- Customize the vegetables according to your preference or what’s in season.
- For a crispy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs or crushed crackers along with the cheese.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavor profiles.
- To make it vegan, substitute dairy butter, milk, and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick and delicious meal the next day.
