Vegetable Casserole
A “cocotte de légumes” is a delightful French vegetable casserole, perfect for a healthy, hearty meal. Here’s a detailed recipe including instructions, ingredients, methods, and benefits.
#### Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 zucchini, sliced
– 1 eggplant, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 2 tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
##Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Sauté the Aromatics**: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-proof cocotte or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
3. **Add the Vegetables**: Add the sliced carrots, zucchini, eggplant, red and yellow bell peppers, and green beans to the cocotte. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. **Incorporate the Tomatoes and Herbs**: Add the diced tomatoes to the cocotte, followed by the vegetable broth, dried thyme, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine.
5. **Simmer**: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. **Bake**: If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the vegetables. Cover the cocotte with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
7. **Serve**: Remove the cocotte from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
#### Methods
– **Sautéing**: Sautéing the onions and garlic first helps to release their flavors, providing a delicious base for the dish.
– **Layering**: Adding vegetables in stages ensures even cooking and flavor development.
– **Baking**: Baking the vegetables in the cocotte allows them to cook evenly and retain their natural flavors and nutrients.
Benefits
1. **Nutrient-Rich**: This dish is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from a variety of vegetables.
2. **Low-Calorie**: A healthy, low-calorie option that’s perfect for weight management.
3. **Versatile**: You can add or substitute vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preferences.
4. **Vegetarian/Vegan-Friendly**: Naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese.
5. **Flavorful**: The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
“Cocotte de légumes” is a versatile, nutritious, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal. Its rich blend of vegetables and herbs, coupled with the simplicity of preparation, makes it a go-to recipe for healthy eating. Enjoy this delightful French vegetable casserole as a main course or as a hearty side dish!