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I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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Summer, for me, has always been about simplicity. Lazy afternoons, the sun warming my skin, and the incredible bounty of fresh produce at the local farmers market. One of my favorite ways to celebrate this season is with a dish that truly showcases the flavors of summer. That’s where this Basil Infused Summer Bake comes in. It’s not just a recipe; it's a celebration of fresh ingredients and carefree cooking.
Imagine tender zucchini, vibrant bell peppers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and earthy eggplant, all mingling together in a harmonious dance of flavors. The star of the show? Fresh basil, of course! Its peppery, slightly sweet aroma infuses every bite with a summery essence that’s simply irresistible. This bake is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled meats, or even as a vegetarian main course. You know, I once brought this to a potluck and it was gone in minutes!
What I adore most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Don't have eggplant on hand? No problem, use squash! Feel like adding some spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. Its kinda funny because I once accidently added rosemary instead of basil and it was still delicious, just different. It’s all about embracing the moment and using what you have. So, are you ready to bring a taste of summer to your table? Let's get started!
Required Equipments
- Large Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
Basil Infused Summer Bake: Frequently Asked Questions
Basil Infused Summer Bake
Capture the essence of summer with this Basil Infused Summer Bake, a delightful medley of fresh vegetables enhanced by fragrant basil. It's a simple, satisfying dish perfect for warm evenings.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Giving it time to reach the right temperature ensures the vegetables cook evenly.
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Then, dice the zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and red onion into roughly 1-inch pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Mincing the garlic
- Combine the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the diced zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Make sure you've got a bowl big enough, I used a too-small one once and made a mess.
- Add garlic and basil: Add the minced garlic and chopped fresh basil to the bowl with the vegetables. I really recommend using fresh basil; the dried stuff just doesn't compare.
- Drizzle with olive oil: Drizzle about 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables. Don't be shy with the oil; it helps the vegetables roast nicely and develop flavor.
- Season generously: Season the vegetables with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be generous with the seasoning; it really brings out the flavors.
- Toss everything together: Toss all the ingredients together until the vegetables are evenly coated with olive oil, garlic, basil, and seasoning. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is well combined.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Spread the vegetable mixture evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Make sure the vegetables are in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Bake in the oven: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned. Keep an eye on them; ovens can vary.
- Check for tenderness: After 30 minutes, check the vegetables for tenderness by piercing them with a fork. If they're still firm, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes.
- Broil for extra browning (optional): For extra browning, you can broil the vegetables for the last 2-3 minutes. Watch them closely to prevent burning!
- Remove from the oven: Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the bake with additional fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot as a side dish or light meal. I sometimes add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top—delicious!
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 4 g
Calcium: 30 mg
