The spiralized winter vegetable gratin is a true celebration of winter's bounty. This dish showcases the rich, earthy flavors of sweet potato, carrots, butternut squash and parsnips, all combined into one beautifully layered gratin. Enhanced with the warmth of thyme and oregano, and enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, this gratin is pure comfort on a plate.
The ingredients for this recipe should be fairly easy to find in your local supermarket. However, do pay special attention to the butternut squash and parsnips, as these veggies are seasonal and may not be available year-round. Also, Gruyere cheese is a specific type of Swiss cheese known for its creamy, nutty flavor and excellent melting properties - a key ingredient for the gratin sauce. If you can't find Gruyere, you can substitute it with a good quality Swiss cheese.
Ingredients for Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin Recipe
Olive oil spray: Used to coat the casserole dish and prevent the vegetables from sticking.
Sweet potato: This provides a sweet, creamy element to the dish.
Carrots: They add a touch of earthy sweetness and vibrant color.
Butternut squash: It gives the gratin a deep, slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Parsnips: These root vegetables add a sweet and slightly spicy flavor.
Olive oil: Used to coat the vegetables before roasting, enhancing their natural flavors.
Thyme, oregano, parsley: These herbs add a depth of savory flavor to the dish.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: They season the dish and enhance the flavor of the vegetables.
Butter: It forms the base for the roux in the sauce.
Shallots: They add a mild, sweet onion flavor to the sauce.
All-purpose flour: It thickens the sauce, giving it body.
Milk: It forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Parmesan cheese and Gruyere cheese: These cheeses add a rich, savory, and slightly nutty flavor to the sauce.
One reader, Corry Humphrey says:
This spiralized winter vegetable gratin recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet potato, carrots, butternut squash, and parsnips creates a delightful medley of flavors. The creamy sauce with thyme and gruyere cheese takes it to the next level. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting and nutritious dish.
Techniques for Making a Perfect Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin
How to spiralize vegetables: Use a spiralizer to cut the sweet potato, carrots, butternut squash, and parsnips into long, thin strands.
How to make a roux: Melt butter in a pan, add flour, and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
How to make a white sauce: Add milk to the roux and stir until the mixture thickens. Then, add the herbs and cheeses, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
How To Make Spiralized Winter Veggie Gratin
This veggie gratin recipe is made with sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, and parsnips, seasoned with various herbs, and topped with a creamy sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray
- 7ozsweet potato,peeled and spiralized
- 1lbcarrots,(1.5 in. in diameter), peeled and spiralized
- 1½lbswhole butternut squash,peeled and spiralized
- 7ozparsnips,peeled and spiralized
- 1½tbspolive oil
- 4tspthyme,fresh chopped
- 1tbsporegano,fresh chopped
- 3tbspItalian parsley,fresh chopped
- 1¼tspkosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper,to taste
- ½tbspbutter
- ⅓cupshallots,chopped
- 3tspall-purpose flour,or gluten free flour
- 1cupfat free milk
- 1tbspParmesan Cheese,grated
- 2½ozGruyere cheese,grated, divided
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inchcasserole dish with olive oil.
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In a large bowl, combine sweet potato, carrots, squash and parsnips.
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Add the olive oil, 1 tablespoon thyme, oregano, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Toss well to coat.
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Transfer to prepared dish and roast for 40 to 50 minutes, until the vegetables are very tender, tossing halfway through.
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Meanwhile, prepare the sauce.
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Heat a medium non-stick pan over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt, add the shallots and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
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Sprinkle the flour over the shallots to make a roux, whisking for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the milk and stir with a wooden spoon until the roux is incorporated into the milk.
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Cook over medium-low heat for about 4 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
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Add fresh thyme, parmesan and half of the grated Gruyere cheese into the white sauce and stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the sauce.
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Pour over the veggies and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 10 minutes. Top with remaining parsley and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 234.08kcal
- Fat: 11.35g
- Saturated Fat: 3.41g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.36g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.07g
- Carbohydrates: 29.19g
- Fiber: 5.94g
- Sugar: 8.88g
- Protein: 6.62g
- Cholesterol: 13.06mg
- Sodium: 450.05mg
- Calcium: 258.20mg
- Potassium: 765.63mg
- Iron: 1.64mg
- Vitamin A: 1184.02µg
- Vitamin C: 29.40mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin Recipe
When spiralizing your winter vegetables for this gratin, make sure they are all roughly the same thickness. This will ensure that they cook evenly in the oven. If some pieces are thicker than others, they may not cook through completely, resulting in a dish with uneven texture. Additionally, when making the roux for the sauce, be sure to whisk constantly to prevent it from burning. A burnt roux can give your sauce a bitter taste. Lastly, when adding the cheese to the sauce, do it gradually and keep stirring. This will help the cheese melt evenly and prevent it from clumping together.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin
Prep ahead: Chop and spiralize the vegetables the night before and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables instead of doing it by hand to save time and effort.
Multi-task: While the vegetables are roasting, use that time to prepare the sauce and clean up the kitchen to save time in the overall cooking process.
Invest in a spiralizer: Investing in a good quality spiralizer can save time and effort when spiralizing vegetables for this recipe.
Batch cooking: Make a larger portion and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal on a busy day.
Substitute Ingredients For Spiralized Winter Veggie Gratin Recipe
sweet potato - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor to sweet potatoes and can be spiralized and used in the same way in the gratin recipe.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor compared to carrots, and they can provide a similar texture and color when spiralized for the gratin.
butternut squash - Substitute with acorn squash: Acorn squash has a similar texture and sweetness to butternut squash and can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
parsnips - Substitute with celeriac: Celeriac, also known as celery root, has a similar earthy and slightly sweet flavor to parsnips and can be spiralized and used in the gratin.
thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary can provide a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to thyme in the gratin recipe.
oregano - Substitute with marjoram: Marjoram has a slightly sweeter and milder flavor compared to oregano, making it a suitable substitute in the recipe.
italian parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh and bright flavor similar to Italian parsley in the gratin recipe.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt in the recipe, providing a similar level of salinity.
shallots - Substitute with onions: Onions can be used as a substitute for shallots, providing a similar savory and aromatic flavor to the dish.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
fat free milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free substitute for fat-free milk in the recipe.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino cheese: Pecorino cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to Parmesan and can be used as a substitute in the gratin recipe.
gruyere cheese - Substitute with fontina cheese: Fontina cheese has a similar creamy texture and mild nutty flavor to Gruyere and can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
Presentation Ideas for a Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin
Elevate the dish with a stunning plating: When presenting the gratin, carefully arrange the spiralized winter vegetables in a visually appealing manner on the plate. Consider using a ring mold to create a neat stack or layer the vegetables in an artistic, organic arrangement.
Incorporate a touch of elegance with garnishes: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped Italian parsley or fresh thyme leaves on top of the gratin to enhance its visual appeal. These garnishes not only add a pop of color but also elevate the overall presentation.
Opt for sophisticated serving ware: Choose elegant, minimalist serving dishes that allow the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Consider using porcelain or ceramic dishes for a refined presentation.
Emphasize precision in portioning: Pay attention to portion sizes and ensure that each serving is meticulously arranged. Precision in portioning demonstrates attention to detail and culinary finesse.
Highlight the layers of flavors: Showcase the layers of flavors in the gratin by ensuring that the vegetables are evenly distributed and beautifully displayed, allowing the diners to appreciate the complexity of the dish.
Create a harmonious balance of colors: Aim for a visually striking presentation by incorporating a variety of vibrant winter vegetable colors. The contrast of orange sweet potatoes, deep green parsley, and golden butternut squash creates an eye-catching display.
Embrace the art of negative space: Utilize negative space on the plate to create a visually captivating presentation. Allow the dish to breathe and avoid overcrowding the plate, letting the gratin take center stage.
Add a final touch of sophistication with a drizzle: Consider adding a delicate drizzle of balsamic reduction or truffle oil to the plate for a touch of luxury and an extra layer of flavor complexity.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making a Spiralized Vegetable Gratin
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes.
- Casserole dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and serving casseroles.
- Large bowl: Used for mixing and tossing ingredients together.
- Medium non-stick pan: Ideal for sautéing and making sauces without ingredients sticking to the surface.
- Whisk: Used for blending and stirring ingredients together, especially for making sauces and roux.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients in a non-stick pan or saucepan.
Storing and Freezing Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin
- Let the gratin cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, portion the cooled gratin into individual servings or freeze the entire dish. Wrap the dish or individual portions tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and contents.
- Frozen gratin will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and foil, then cover the dish with fresh foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the gratin is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If reheating individual portions, you can use the microwave. Place the portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. The time may vary depending on the portion size and microwave wattage.
- If reheating from the refrigerator, cover the dish with foil and reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How To Reheat Leftover Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover gratin in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the gratin is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method helps to retain the moisture in the dish and prevents the vegetables from drying out.
If you prefer a crispier top layer, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating. This will allow the cheese to brown and create a delightful crust on top of the spiralized vegetables.
For a quicker reheating option, use your microwave. Place a portion of the gratin in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the gratin is heated through. Stir the dish halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you have a toaster oven, you can also use it to reheat smaller portions of the gratin. Place a serving in an oven-safe dish and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the gratin is heated through and the cheese is melted.
For a stovetop method, place a portion of the gratin in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gratin is heated through and the cheese is melted. This method works well for individual portions and helps to maintain the texture of the spiralized vegetables.
Interesting Fact About Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin
Spiralized winter vegetable gratin is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a variety of winter vegetables. This dish is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Is Making Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this spiralized winter vegetable gratin recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients in your local market. The use of seasonal vegetables and basic pantry staples like olive oil and herbs can make it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people may range from $15 to $20. Considering the nutritional value, flavor, and versatility of this dish, it earns a solid 8 out of 10 in the overall verdict rating.
Is This Spiralized Winter Vegetable Dish Healthy?
The spiralized winter vegetable gratin recipe is a relatively healthy dish, as it primarily consists of nutrient-dense vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, and parsnips. These vegetables are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin A), and minerals. The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, while the herbs and spices add flavor without excessive sodium.
However, the recipe does include some less healthy components:
- The use of butter and flour to make the roux for the sauce adds saturated fat and refined carbohydrates
- The milk and cheeses contribute additional saturated fat and calories
- The overall sodium content may be higher than ideal, depending on individual dietary needs
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based alternative to reduce saturated fat
- Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative (like almond flour) for the roux to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Opt for low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative to decrease saturated fat and calories
- Reduce the amount of cheese used or choose lower-fat varieties to further decrease saturated fat and calorie content
- Adjust the salt content based on individual dietary needs and preferences, using herbs and spices to maintain flavor
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin Recipe
This spiralized winter vegetable gratin recipe is a delightful and wholesome dish that beautifully showcases the flavors of the season. The combination of sweet potato, carrots, butternut squash, and parsnips creates a colorful and nutritious base, while the herb-infused white sauce adds a rich and comforting element. The use of thyme, oregano, and parsley enhances the dish with aromatic and earthy notes. The addition of gruyere and parmesan cheese brings a delightful creaminess and depth of flavor. Overall, this gratin is a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a wonderful addition to any winter meal.
Enhance Your Spiralized Winter Veggie Gratin Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Perfect Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin
Why trust this Spiralized Winter Veggie Gratin Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience, as it features fresh and wholesome ingredients such as sweet potato, carrots, and butternut squash. The combination of thyme, oregano, and Italian parsley infuses the dish with aromatic flavors. The creamy white sauce is enriched with Parmesan cheese and Gruyere cheese, ensuring a luscious and indulgent gratin. The meticulous instructions and attention to detail in the preparation process underscore the reliability and trustworthiness of this recipe.
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