Roasted Vegetable Au Gratin Recipe
A comforting and indulgent side dish, this Roasted Vegetable Au Gratin brings together fresh, tender vegetables, a creamy cheese sauce, and a golden, melty cheese topping that will make you want to go back for seconds. This French-inspired dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, and with its rich, savory flavors, it pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread and a refreshing cocktail. Simple yet elegant, this recipe offers a great way to enjoy your favorite vegetables in a decadent new form.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sunflower Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Zucchini (sliced) | 1 whole |
| Carrot (Gajjar) (thinly sliced) | 1 medium |
| Green Beans (finely chopped) | 1 cup |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1-1/2 cups |
| Britannia Cheese Spread – Asli Pepper | 3 tablespoons |
| Britannia Cheese Block (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Preparation Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 40 minutes
Total Time:
- 60 minutes
Servings:
- 4 servings
Cuisine:
- French
Course:
- Dinner
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a non-stick or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil to the pan.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced zucchini, carrot, and finely chopped green beans to the pan. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to taste.
- Sauté: Sauté the vegetables on high heat for about 1-2 minutes. You should notice them softening slightly, but they should remain vibrant and firm. Once this happens, remove the pan from the heat and set the vegetables aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Stir the butter gently until fully melted.
- Add the Flour: Sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook the flour for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color and begins to smell nutty.
- Create the Sauce: Slowly pour in the 1-1/2 cups of milk, stirring constantly to ensure the flour and milk combine smoothly. Once the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth, add the 3 tablespoons of Britannia Cheese Spread – Asli Pepper. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Finish the Sauce: Once the cheese spread has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, turn off the heat and set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Au Gratin
- Combine the Vegetables and Sauce: Take a medium-sized baking dish and pour the prepared cheese sauce into the bottom. Add the sautéed vegetables on top of the sauce, and gently toss everything together to combine. Ensure the vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Top with Grated Cheese: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Britannia Cheese Block evenly over the top of the vegetable mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the oven is preheated, place the baking dish in the oven.
Step 4: Bake the Gratin
- Bake the Dish: Bake the Roasted Vegetable Au Gratin in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese on top has melted and turned a beautiful golden brown. You should see some bubbling around the edges as well.
- Check for Doneness: Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the Roasted Vegetable Au Gratin hot from the oven, garnished with a little extra grated cheese or herbs, if desired.
- For a complete meal, pair this delicious vegetable gratin with Garlic Bread with Herb Butter and a refreshing Pomegranate Mint Cocktail.
Tips for Perfecting Your Roasted Vegetable Au Gratin:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, or bell peppers. The key is to use vegetables that hold up well to baking.
- For a Crispier Top: If you prefer a crispier top, broil the gratin for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, just until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare everything, cover the dish, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding an extra few minutes if baking from cold.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Roasted Vegetable Au Gratin is a delicious way to enjoy your veggies. The creamy, cheesy sauce blends perfectly with the sweetness of the vegetables, while the top layer of melted cheese adds a lovely texture and flavor. Whether served as a side dish or a main for a vegetarian meal, it is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Related Recipes to Enjoy:
- Garlic Bread with Herb Butter Recipe – A crispy, buttery side to complement this rich and creamy gratin.
- Pomegranate Mint Cocktail Recipe – A refreshing, light drink that balances the richness of the au gratin.
- Vegetable Gratin with Parmesan Crust – Another delightful gratin variation to try.
Enjoy your cozy and comforting meal with these perfectly paired recipes!
