How to Make French Vegan Vegetable Gratin
French Vegan Vegetable Gratin is a delicious and healthy dish that captures the essence of French cuisine while being completely plant-based. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also a perfect option for a hearty meal or a side dish. Below are the steps to making this comforting, creamy, and flavorful gratin.
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 medium eggplant, thinly sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 large potato, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
- 1 cup of nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2: In a skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: While the onions are cooking, prepare your sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Begin layering your vegetables in the greased baking dish. Start with a layer of potato slices, followed by a layer of zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes. Repeat the layers until you have used all the vegetables, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
Step 5: Once the layers are complete, pour the prepared sauce evenly over the vegetable layers, ensuring everything is well covered.
Step 6: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.
Step 7: Once cooked, remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This French Vegan Vegetable Gratin can be served as a main dish alongside a simple green salad or as a side dish to complement roasted vegetables or grain dishes. It's perfect for meal prep, and you can easily reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave.
Storage Tips
Leftover gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, allow the gratin to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Frozen gratin can last for up to 3 months.
Indulging in this French Vegan Vegetable Gratin not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports a healthy, plant-based lifestyle. Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends, and savor the flavors of France right in your kitchen!