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Layered Vegetarian Macaroni Bake – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Layered Vegetarian Macaroni Bake

A sophisticated, wholesome twist on comfort food, this Layered Vegetarian Macaroni Bake features tender pasta, fresh spinach, a hearty vegetable filling, and a rich, velvety béchamel sauce that bakes to golden-brown perfection.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 serving
Calories: 343

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta & Vegetable Layers
  • 8 ounces (225 grams / 7.9 oz) dried elbow macaroni
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon (10 ml) (3 grams / 0.11 oz) salt, divided
  • 3 cups (720 ml) (90 grams / 3.17 oz) fresh spinach leaves, torn
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) (14 grams / 0.49 oz) butter
  • 1/2 cup (480 ml) (75 grams / 2.65 oz) chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 8-ounce / 225-gram can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup (240 ml) (150 grams / 5.3 oz) frozen whole kernel corn
  • 1 cup (240 ml) (150 grams / 5.3 oz) cubed cooked potato
  • 3/4 teaspoon (20 ml) (1.5 grams / 0.05 oz) dried mint, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon (10 ml) (1 gram / 0.04 oz) dried oregano, crushed
  • 1/4 teaspoon (20 ml) (0.5 grams / 0.02 oz) ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon (20 ml) (0.5 grams / 0.02 oz) ground black pepper
  • For the Creamy Béchamel Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) (28 grams / 0.99 oz) butter
  • 1/4 cup (960 ml) (30 grams / 1.06 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon (20 ml) (0.5 grams / 0.02 oz) ground nutmeg
  • 2 cups (480 ml) milk
  • To ensure a perfectly smooth and lump-free béchamel sauce, warm your milk slightly in the microwave or a separate saucepan before gradually whisking it into the flour and butter mixture.
  • For a richer, deeper flavor in the vegetable filling, add one tablespoon of tomato paste with the onion and garlic. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly, before adding the tomato sauce and other .
  • This casserole can be assembled up to one day in advance. Prepare all the layers in the baking dish, but wait to make and add the béchamel sauce. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, prepare the fresh béchamel, pour it over the top, and add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Method
 

  1. PREP: 35 minutesBAKE: 30 minutesSTAND: 5 minutesOVEN: 350°F (180°C) / 175°CMAKES: 6 servings
  2. Prepare the Base Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C. Lightly grease a 3-quart rectangular baking dish.
  3. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
  4. Drain well, rinse with cold water, and drain again.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the lightly beaten eggs and 1/4 teaspoon (20 ml / 0.7 fl oz) of salt.
  6. Stir in the cooked macaroni until coated, then transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer.
  7. Top evenly with the torn spinach leaves.
  8. Create the Savory Vegetable Filling: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) of butter over medium heat.
  9. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
  10. Stir in the tomato sauce, corn, cooked potato, mint, oregano, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon (20 ml / 0.7 fl oz) of salt, cinnamon, and black pepper.
  11. Heat the mixture through, then carefully spoon it over the spinach layer in the baking dish.
  12. Make the Creamy Béchamel Topping: In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) of butter over medium heat.
  13. Whisk in the flour and nutmeg, cooking for one minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  14. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
  15. Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the potato mixture in the baking dish.
  16. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is lightly golden and bubbly.
  17. Let the bake stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Nutrition

Calories: 343kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 12gFat: 10g

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