FoodVegetable casserole with Mornay sauce: A family dinner delight

Vegetable casserole with Mornay sauce: A family dinner delight

Throw the vegetables into an ovenproof dish and pour this sauce over them. Your family will ask for seconds.
Throw the vegetables into an ovenproof dish and pour this sauce over them. Your family will ask for seconds.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

1:02 PM EDT, June 1, 2024

Are you looking for an idea for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner for the whole family? Try this vegetable casserole with Mornay sauce! This dish is perfect for vegetarians but will also delight meat lovers. It is rich in vegetables that provide valuable vitamins and minerals, and the Mornay sauce gives it a unique taste and aroma.

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 flavor 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.

Recipe for vegetable casserole

To prepare the perfect vegetable casserole, we need essential ingredients that are easily available throughout the year. The main components are broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. These vegetables create a colorful 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:

                                  
  • 2 cups of milk,
  • 3.5 oz 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 them into thicker slices.
  2. Cook the vegetables in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the milk—season with 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 this mixture into the milk in a thin stream, stirring vigorously until the sauce thickens.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the egg yolks and shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly until combined.
  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 350°F 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 just heat it in the oven.
  • You can add meat to the casserole, such as chicken or turkey.
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