Savory Soybean Casserole 🍲
Introduction
Crafted with a spirit of culinary experimentation and a desire to introduce a nutritious ingredient in a delectable way, this Savory Soybean Casserole is a true family favorite. The creation of this dish involved delving into various cookbooks, incorporating a medley of ingredients, and perfecting through trial and error. The goal was to make soybeans appealing and delicious, shedding any preconceived notions of “health food.” This one-dish meal is not only hearty and satisfying but also bursts with flavors and textures that even the most skeptical eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups soybeans
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 5 slices of bacon, crumbled
Savory Soybean Casserole 🍲
Introduction
This Savory Soybean Casserole is a delightful and nutritious dish that was born out of a creative exploration of various cookbooks and a bit of kitchen experimentation. The goal was to craft a dish that made soybeans not just palatable but truly enjoyable for the whole family. With its rich blend of flavors and textures, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household as well.
Ingredients
- 2 cups soybeans
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 5 slices bacon, crumbled
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 egg (you may need 2 if the feta is particularly dry)
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed
Instructions
Preparation Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Soak the soybeans: Begin by soaking 2 cups of soybeans overnight in at least six cups of water. This will ensure they are soft and ready for cooking the next day. |
| 2 | Cook the soybeans: After soaking, drain and rinse the soybeans. Place them in a pot with fresh water and cook until they are tender. This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Drain the soybeans once cooked. |
| 3 | Thaw the spinach: While the soybeans are cooking, thaw the frozen spinach. You can do this quickly by placing it in a bowl and microwaving it for a few minutes. Once thawed, squeeze out any excess water. |
| 4 | Prepare the onion and bacon: In a skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. If you prefer, you can add a chopped green pepper for extra flavor. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into pieces. |
| 5 | Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked soybeans, crumbled bacon, sautéed onions, and thawed spinach. Spread this mixture evenly in a large casserole dish. |
| 6 | Prepare the cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, cottage cheese, and the egg. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. |
| 7 | Assemble the casserole: Spread the cheese mixture over the top of the soybean mixture in the casserole dish, ensuring it covers evenly. |
| 8 | Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. |
| 9 | Serve and enjoy: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This dish is delicious on its own or paired with a fresh salad. |
Variations and Tips
- Vegetarian option: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version of this casserole. The dish is still delicious and satisfying without it.
- Alternative greens: You can substitute the frozen spinach with fresh spinach or even use broccoli (fresh or frozen) for a different flavor profile.
- Binding the cheese: If your feta cheese is particularly dry, you may need to use two eggs to help bind the cheese mixture together effectively.
- Adding color: For a pop of color, dust the top of the casserole with a bit of paprika before baking. This adds a vibrant hue but doesn’t alter the taste significantly.
- Adjusting bacon quantity: Feel free to use more or less bacon according to your preference. The bacon serves as a flavor enhancer, making the dish more appealing to those who might be hesitant about soybeans.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 274.1
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8.5g
- Cholesterol: 68.7mg
- Sodium: 622.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.1g
- Fiber: 2.8g
- Sugar: 3.3g
- Protein: 18.9g
This casserole serves 8 and is a fantastic option for a wholesome, protein-packed meal. Whether you’re looking to incorporate more plant-based proteins into your diet or just want to try something new and delicious, this Savory Soybean Casserole is a wonderful choice. Enjoy! 🌟
