The first thing you'll notice about Greek Vegetable Casserole is its enticing aroma. Imagine the scent of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and zucchini combined with the earthy notes of oregano and parsley wafting through your kitchen. It's enough to make anyone's mouth water!
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Greek Vegetable Casserole
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Greek Vegetable Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium white onion chopped
- 2 bell peppers chopped
- 1 green zucchini sliced
- 1 yellow zucchini sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon dry oregano
- 4 cups cooked brown rice
- 200 g 7 oz feta cheese
- salt and pepper
- cherry tomatoes
- green olives
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190C/375F.
- In a large pan, heat up olive oil and saute onions and pepper for 5-7 minutes.3 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium white onion, 2 bell peppers
- Mix in zucchini and cook for around 7 more minutes. Season vegetables with salt, pepper, oregano and garlic.1 green zucchini, 1 yellow zucchini, 3 garlic cloves, salt and pepper, 1 tablespoon dry oregano
- In a large bowl combine feta cheese with parsley and an egg. Stir in cooked rice, add vegetables and carefully mix through.3 tablespoon fresh parsley, 200 g 7 oz feta cheese, 1 egg
- Spread rice and vegetable mix in a casserole dish, top with olives and tomatoes (as much as you prefer).4 cups cooked brown rice, cherry tomatoes, green olives
- Bake for 40 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 green zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow zucchini, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dry oregano
- 4 cups cooked brown rice
- 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese
- salt and pepper
- cherry tomatoes
- green olives
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 190C/375F.
In a large pan, heat up olive oil and saute onions and pepper for 5-7 minutes.
Mix in zucchini and cook for around 7 more minutes. Season vegetables with salt, pepper, oregano and garlic.
In a large bowl combine feta cheese with parsley and an egg. Stir in cooked rice, add vegetables and carefully mix through.
Spread rice and vegetable mix in a casserole dish, top with olives and tomatoes (as much as you prefer).
Bake for 40 minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
Greek Vegetable Casserole is already a remarkable dish on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can truly elevate your meal to new heights. Here are some delectable options to complement your casserole:
Greek Salad
A traditional Greek salad is an ideal partner for your casserole. Combine fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sliced red onion, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese. The freshness and crunch of the salad ingredients create a perfect contrast with the comforting softness of the casserole.
Pita Bread
Warm, soft pita bread is not just an accompaniment, but a tool for savoring every spoonful of your casserole. Use it to scoop up bites of the dish, offering a chewy texture that perfectly balances the tenderness of the baked vegetables.
Tzatziki Sauce
Enhance your dining experience with a side of tzatziki sauce. This cool and creamy Greek yogurt-based sauce, infused with garlic, cucumber, and dill, delivers a refreshing element that compliments the rich flavors and spices within your casserole.
Roasted Potatoes
For those seeking a heartier addition to their meal, consider serving roasted potatoes alongside your casserole. Seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, these crispy potatoes add substance and earthy notes to the dining experience.
Stuffed Grape Leaves
Stuffed grape leaves, or dolmades, bring an additional layer of flavor and tradition to the table. These tender leaves filled with rice and herbs provide a vibrant Mediterranean flair that pairs seamlessly with the casserole's ingredients.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Choose Fresh Ingredients
To elevate your Greek Vegetable Casserole to the next level, ensuring the use of the freshest vegetables is crucial. Fresh produce not only enhances the taste but also offers greater nutritional benefits, making each bite not only delicious but healthy too. Visit your local farmers' market or choose organic options for the best results.
Embrace the Power of Herbs
Herbs are the heart of this dish, infusing it with the Mediterranean essence. Don't shy away from using fresh oregano and parsley, as their flavors are unparalleled compared to dried varieties. These herbs add a vibrant, aromatic touch that truly defines the dish's character.
Opt for Quality Cheese
Feta cheese is a vital component that binds the casserole's flavors. Choose a high-quality feta, ideally sourced from sheep's milk, for a more authentic taste. The right feta will provide a creamy, tangy contrast to the vegetables, completing the flavor profile beautifully.
Perfect the Cooking Technique
Achieving the right texture is key to maximizing your casserole's appeal. Sauté the onions and peppers until they are soft but not caramelized, preserving their natural sweetness. Layer the ingredients meticulously to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution throughout the casserole.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, simply pop it in the oven to reheat.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked casserole. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven.
Can I substitute other vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices. Eggplant, mushrooms, or spinach would all be lovely additions to this casserole.
How can I make this casserole vegan-friendly?
To make this casserole vegan, simply substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative. There are numerous brands offering vegan feta that mimic the creamy and tangy flavor of the real thing. You may also consider using nutritional yeast for added flavor and a bit of cheesy taste.
What can I do if I don't have fresh herbs?
If fresh herbs are not available, dried herbs can be used instead. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor, so you'll need about one-third of the amount. For example, if a recipe calls for one tablespoon of fresh oregano, use one teaspoon of dried oregano.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the brown rice with a gluten-free grain like quinoa or use gluten-free pasta in place of the rice. Just ensure all other ingredients, like sauces or seasonings, are gluten-free as well.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If you loved this Greek Vegetable Casserole, you're in for a treat. We have a variety of other veggie-based casserole recipes that will keep your meals exciting and healthy. From classic comfort foods to innovative new dishes, this little collection has something for everyone.
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