Description
This Savory Baked Mediterranean Vegetable Casserole is a flavorful and healthy dish featuring a vibrant mix of zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and savory herbs. Baked to tender perfection and topped with tangy feta cheese, kalamata olives, fresh parsley, and Parmesan, this casserole offers a delightful taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your vegetables evenly.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchinis, sliced eggplants, chopped red and yellow bell peppers, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic to the bowl, then drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Toss Vegetables: Thoroughly toss the vegetables and seasonings until everything is evenly coated with the olive oil and herbs, ensuring full flavor in every bite.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Transfer the coated vegetables into a large baking dish, spreading them out evenly so they cook uniformly.
- Bake Vegetables: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned around the edges.
- Add Feta and Olives: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and sliced kalamata olives evenly over the top.
- Return to Oven: Place the dish back into the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to allow the feta cheese to soften and slightly melt.
- Drizzle with Balsamic Vinegar: Take the casserole out of the oven and drizzle the balsamic vinegar evenly over the baked vegetables and cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling the chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top right before serving for a burst of freshness and savory richness.
Notes
- You can substitute the feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative to make this dish vegan.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure all seasonings and cheese are certified gluten-free.
- Feel free to add other Mediterranean vegetables such as artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor, adjusting the quantities to taste.
- This casserole can be served as a main vegetarian dish or as a side alongside grilled meats or fish.
