Vegetable Au Gratin with Cauliflower, Carrots, and Green Beans
Description:
Vegetable Au Gratin is a delightful French dish where a medley of vegetables is baked with a rich, creamy béchamel sauce. This version is made even healthier by using a combination of flours for the béchamel sauce, which keeps the dish light and guilt-free. It’s a quick-to-make recipe, perfect for a cozy dinner. You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables and experimenting with different herbs and spices. The dish is flavorful and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect vegetarian main course.
Cuisine: French
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For Vegetables | |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Green Beans (French Beans) | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Cauliflower (Gobi) | 1/2 cup, with small florets |
| Salt | To taste |
| Dried Oregano | 1/2 teaspoon (or fresh herbs) |
| For Béchamel Sauce | |
| Corn Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Cheese Spread | 2 tablespoons |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red Chilli Flakes | Crushed, for garnish |
| Britannia Cheese Block | 1/4 cup, grated |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the gratin. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
To steam the vegetables, bring a pot of water to a boil, then place the carrots, green beans, and cauliflower in a steamer basket. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and steam until they are half-cooked (al dente). Alternatively, you can stir fry the vegetables in a pan for a quicker method. -
Stir Fry Method:
If you’re stir-frying, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables to the pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sauté them. Cover the pan with a lid to help the vegetables cook faster using the steam. Stir occasionally until they are cooked to your desired level of tenderness. -
Season the Vegetables:
Once the vegetables are cooked, add oregano or your preferred mix of herbs and stir well to combine. Set the vegetables aside. -
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine the corn flour with water and milk, stirring well to eliminate any lumps. Place the pan over medium heat, adding salt and black pepper. Continuously stir the sauce to avoid any clumping, and let it simmer until it thickens. Once thickened, stir in the cheese spread and continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. -
Combine Sauce and Vegetables:
Pour the prepared béchamel sauce over the steamed or stir-fried vegetables. Stir gently to coat the vegetables evenly with the creamy sauce. -
Assemble the Gratin:
Transfer the sauced vegetables to a baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Britannia cheese evenly over the top, ensuring a nice layer of cheese covers the entire surface. -
Bake the Au Gratin:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown and bubbly. The gratin should have a deliciously crisp top. -
Finish and Serve:
Once the gratin is ready, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the sauce set and ensures the dish holds together beautifully when served. Garnish with a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a hint of spice, or drizzle with a little Tabasco sauce for an extra kick. -
Serve Hot:
Serve this comforting Vegetable Au Gratin hot, accompanied by toasted garlic bread for the perfect cozy meal. Enjoy the richness of the béchamel sauce paired with the crisp, tender vegetables and the indulgent, melted cheese!
Tips for Variation:
- Feel free to swap out the vegetables depending on what you have in your kitchen! Broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms can work wonderfully in this dish.
- For a dairy-free version, you can use plant-based milk and cheese substitutes.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
This Vegetable Au Gratin with Cauliflower, Carrots, and Green Beans is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings the best of French cuisine into your kitchen. The creamy béchamel sauce, paired with a medley of vegetables, makes this gratin a sure hit for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Enjoy this hearty yet healthy dish that can be served as a main course or as a delightful side!
