German Vegetable Casserole – Great Veggie Dinner

In Germany many people have their own garden where they grow all kinds of vegetable. In summer when all vegetable is ready in abundance you might want to cook a German vegetable casserole which we call in German “Auflauf”.
If you cannot have your own garden we recommend to get the vegetable local from the farmers market. It is simply the best.
Even it looks that German dishes contain always meat, this is not the case. There are many recipes without meat. This is one and it is delicious and suitable for Vegetarians. Happy Cooking!

Ingredients German Vegetable Casserole

(serves 3-4 )
1-2 bigger potatoes
1 lb fresh vegetable mix, such as carrots, broccoli, green beans, zucchini, sweet corn, peppers, leek, mushrooms, or cauliflower)
2 tbsp mixed chopped herbs (e.g. thyme, parsley, rosemary, chives) or just 2 tbsp chopped parsley
2-3 tbsp sour cream
1 egg
5-6 tbsp grated unprocessed cheese (Gouda, Parmesan or Swiss cheese)
salt, nutmeg and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions Vegetable Casserole

– First boil the potatoes with the skin, peel and cut in thick slices. Butter a fire proof casserole, place potatoes in bowl.
– Prepare and cut all used vegetable into smaller pieces, eg. cut off stems and skin if needed.
– Place veggies in a pot with some water and a bit of salt. Bring to  a boil.
– Cook for 3 min, drain and let cool off.
– Combine vegetable with the potatoes.
– Mix sour cream, egg, salt, nut meg, herbs and add half of the grated cheese ((it should be of some thick consistence).
– Add to the vegetables, mix well.
– Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
– Bake in the oven for 20 minutes on 400 F.

This is a great dish which you can prepare the day or some hours before. It is great for a party or brunch buffet and an ideal meatless meal. It becomes very healthy by using all organic vegetables.

Tips
• You also can use frozen vegetable mixes if fresh veggies are not available (canned vegetables is not recommended).
• Add asparagus spears or yellow squash as a variation.
• Add some uncooked cherry tomatoes or green olives at the end before you  sprinkle the cheese on top.