Vegetarian delight: An easy and nutritious vegetable casserole

The vegetable casserole is excellent for a hearty, vegetarian dinner, satisfying even the most demanding palates. Although it does not contain meat, it is full of flavour and aroma, making it a great alternative to traditional meat dishes. Preparing this casserole is simple, and the final result is excellent. The secret of its exceptional taste is the Mornay sauce, which gives the vegetables a unique, creamy character.

We need a few essential ingredients readily available throughout the year to prepare the perfect vegetable casserole. The main components are broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. These vegetables create a colourful and tasty base, which, combined with Mornay sauce, becomes a real treat for the palate.

Ingredients for the casserole:

• 1 broccoli
• 1/2 cauliflower
• 3 carrots
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredients for Mornay sauce:

• 500 ml of milk
• 100 grams of shredded Gruyère or Cheddar cheese
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• a pinch of nutmeg
• salt
• white pepper

Preparation:

1. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into florets, peel the carrots and cut into thicker slices.
2. Cook the vegetables in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan and add the milk. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour with cold water until smooth. Pour it into the boiling milk in a thin stream and stir vigorously until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the egg yolks and shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients combine.
6. Transfer the vegetables to a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and mix.
7. Pour the Mornay sauce over the vegetables and sprinkle with more shredded cheese.
8. Bake at 180°C for about 20 minutes until the sauce is golden and the vegetables are tender.
9. Serve hot with a side of crispy salad.

Tips:

• You can add spices to the Mornay sauce, such as sweet paprika, oregano, or thyme.
• You can prepare the casserole a day before serving and heat it in the oven.
• You can add meat to the casserole, such as chicken or turkey.