Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Mixed Vegetable Casserole w/ Parmesan and Ricotta Cheeses

This is a simple and easy recipe I came up with to turn ordinary frozen mixed vegetables into an extraordinary side dish, perfect for your next gathering or the up and coming Holidays.  The ingredients together have a wonderful flavor profile, without taking away from the veggie aspect with copious amounts of cheese.  Smaller families can halve the recipe for an anytime side dish, but it  tastes fantastic the next day!   Delicious and nutritious and may be a great way to get kids, even  the big ones, to eat their vegetables!
Recipe:
2 lbs. frozen mixed vegetables
2 15 oz. cans French style green beans, drained
4 tbsp. butter, plus a drizzle of olive oil
3 tbsp.  AP flour
1  soft chicken bouillon cube (optional)
1 tbsp. onion powder
1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
1 c. freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
4 oz.  Ricotta cheese
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 c. garlic bread bread crumbs
  SPST ( Salt and Pepper to Suit your Taste)
  olive oil for drizzling
Preheat oven to 375*F.
Microwave mixed veggies on high for 5 minutes,drain.
Add green beans to mixed veggies.
In a sauce pan, melt butter, bouillon and drizzle in olive oil over medium high heat.
Once small bubbles start to form, whisk in flour.
Cook for about 1 minute and remove from heat.
Whisk in milk and return to heat.
Cook until thickened, stirring often, about 5 minutes.
Stir in cheeses and onion powder.
Temper eggs and add to cheese sauce. SPST. The sauce will be thick and this is o.k.
Fold veggies and cheese sauce together and pour into sprayed or greased baking dish.
Top with bread crumbs.
Cover tightly with foil and bake until set and fork inserted comes out clean, about 35 minutes.
Remove foil and bake until topping is crisp and golden, about 5 more minutes.
Let rest for about 15 minutes before serving, makes 12-16 servings.



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