Delicious Caserola Milanese with Creamy Polenta and Cheesy Vegetables

Caserola Milanese Recipe 🍆🍅🧀

Indulge in a hearty and comforting dish with this Caserola Milanese recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This vegetable-based casserole is a delightful blend of creamy polenta, sautéed vegetables, and gooey melted cheese. Follow along with our step-by-step guide to create a meal that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive in! 🍽️

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Ingredients 🌿🧄🍠

For the Polenta Base:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Vegetable Filling:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium onions, chopped
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 leaves fresh basil, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 small eggplants, diced
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups canned tomatoes, chopped
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated

Preparation Time ⏲️

Instructions 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

Polenta Base:

1. Boil the Water: Bring 3 cups of water to a rapid boil in a large saucepan.
2. Add Cornmeal: Gradually add 1 cup of cornmeal in a thin stream, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
3. Incorporate Butter and Seasoning: Stir in 1/4 cup of butter, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Continue stirring to blend everything together.
4. Simmer the Polenta: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently, especially at the bottom, to avoid sticking.
5. Add Cheese: Once the polenta has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Pour the polenta into a well-buttered 12-inch casserole dish and let it cool for a few minutes. Refrigerate until ready to assemble the casserole.

Vegetable Filling:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 3 chopped onions. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
2. Add Carrots and Celery: Add 2 diced carrots and 3 chopped celery stalks. Continue to cook on medium heat for several minutes until the carrots are bright in color.
3. Incorporate Eggplant: Add 3 diced eggplants to the skillet and sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Add Peppers and Zucchini: Add 1 chopped green pepper and 1 sliced zucchini. Cook until all the vegetables are tender.
5. Simmer with Tomatoes and Wine: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of chopped canned tomatoes, 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1/2 cup of red wine (if using). Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Season and Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 4 chopped basil leaves, and 2 teaspoons of dried oregano.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Layer the Casserole: Take the chilled polenta from the refrigerator and spoon the vegetable mixture over it.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
3. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cheese begins to brown at the edges.
4. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions 🥗🥂

• Serve the Caserola Milanese with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
• A glass of your favorite red wine pairs wonderfully with this dish, enhancing the robust flavors of the vegetables and cheese.

Tips and Variations 💡🌈

• Quick Version: If you’re short on time, serve the vegetable mixture over freshly made hot polenta and top with mozzarella. While the casserole version is our favorite, this shortcut is a great alternative.
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey to the vegetable mixture.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to suit your taste preferences.

Nutritional Information 📊

• Calories: 497.1 kcal
• Fat: 28.8 g
• Saturated Fat: 13.8 g
• Cholesterol: 64.5 mg
• Sodium: 1119.8 mg
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 7.1 g
• Sugar: 11.2 g
• Protein: 19.7 g

Enjoy your delightful Caserola Milanese from Love With Recipes! This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household, bringing warmth and satisfaction to every bite. Happy cooking! 🍽️💖