Oven-baked vegetables au gratin

Delicious Gratinated Vegetable Recipe with Potatoes and Ham

I propose a recipe that combines the sweet flavors of vegetables with the creamy textures of potatoes and ham, resulting in a savory and comforting dish. This oven-baked gratin vegetable recipe is ideal for a family dinner or to impress guests at a special meal. Additionally, it is an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into your diet, providing important nutritional benefits!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 90 minutes
Total time: 105 minutes
Number of servings: 6

A Brief History of the Recipe

Over time, gratin vegetable recipes have been appreciated for their versatility. The origins of this dish can be found in traditional kitchens, where vegetables were often baked with various types of cheese and sauces. These dishes not only provide a boost of vitamins but are also a culinary delight, thanks to their crunchy texture and rich flavors.

Ingredients

- 1.5 kg potatoes (ideally choose floury potatoes for a creamy texture)
- 500 g mixed frozen vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots)
- 3 green onions (you can also use red onion for a sweeter taste)
- 150 g country ham (or bacon for a more savory flavor)
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons sour cream (use full-fat sour cream for a richer taste)
- 100 g grated cheese (or aged cheese for an extra flavor)
- Potato spices (or a mix of coriander, thyme, pepper, ginger, and a bit of sweet paprika)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegeta (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for a color and flavor contrast)
- A few cubes of butter (to grease the dish)

Preparation Technique

Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and slice them into rounds. Then, boil them in a pot of salted water and vegeta for 10 minutes. If you prefer speed, you can use a pressure cooker, where the potatoes will be ready in about 4 minutes. Once boiled, drain them and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables
In the same pot, prepare the mixed frozen vegetables. If boiling them in water, make sure to let them boil for 10 minutes from the moment the water starts to boil. Alternatively, you can use a pressure cooker to cook them in just 4 minutes. Once done, drain them well in a colander.

Step 3: Preparing the Mixture
Beat the eggs in a large bowl with salt and pepper using a whisk. Add the sour cream and mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Cut the ham into small cubes and the green onions into rounds.

Step 4: Assembling the Dish
In a ceramic or heat-resistant dish, start assembling the layers. Place a layer of potatoes, sprinkle potato spices or your preferred mix, followed by the ham and green onions. Add the cooked vegetables, then season again with salt and pepper. Pour the beaten egg mixture on top and sprinkle the grated cheese. Finish with the chopped parsley and a few cubes of butter.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for about 90 minutes, or until the mixture turns golden and well browned on top.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a tomato salad with olives. You can serve it alongside a glass of dry white wine or even a craft beer. If you want to add extra flavor, you can include some slices of bell pepper or mushrooms in the vegetable mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Of course! Fresh vegetables are excellent, but make sure to cook them enough to become slightly tender.

2. What can I use instead of ham?
You can replace the ham with tofu for a vegetarian option or use cooked chicken for a lighter version.

3. How can I make this dish easier?
To save time, you can use pre-cooked potatoes or pre-cooked vegetables available in stores.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the vegetables, providing an excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, and protein. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, while sour cream and cheese add a healthy dose of calcium and good fats.

Personal Note

This recipe is not just a simple dish, but an invitation to enjoy the moments spent in the kitchen, sharing delicious meals with loved ones. Every time I prepare it, I am reminded of rainy autumn evenings when the aroma of roasted vegetables filled the house, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere.

I hope you enjoy this gratinated vegetable recipe with potatoes and ham as much as I do! Cooking is an art full of joy, and every recipe has its own story. Bon appétit!