Tuscan Roasted Veg & White Bean Bake

Tuscan Roasted Veg & White Bean Bake

Servings

4–5

🛒 Ingredients

Vegetables

• 1 medium eggplant (aubergine), cubed
• 2 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes

Beans

• 2 cans (400 g each) white beans (like cannellini), drained & rinsed

Seasoning & base

• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)

Sauce

• 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)

Topping (optional but recommended)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley

🔪 Instructions

1. Roast the vegetables

• Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
• Toss eggplant, zucchini, peppers, onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Spread on a large baking tray in a single layer.
• Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized.

2. Prepare the tomato-bean base

• In a large bowl or baking dish, mix:
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Tomato paste
  • Sugar (if using)
  • A pinch of salt & pepper
• Stir in the drained white beans.

3. Combine

• Add the roasted vegetables to the bean mixture.
• Gently stir everything together in a baking dish.

4. Add topping

• Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and olive oil.
• Sprinkle evenly over the top.

5. Bake

• Reduce oven temperature to 190°C (375°F).
• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

🍽️ Serving

• Serve warm with crusty bread, rice, or pasta.
• Drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving for a Tuscan touch.

✨ Tips & Variations

• Add spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Swap white beans with chickpeas or butter beans.
• For extra richness, add small mozzarella pieces before baking.
• Want more protein? Stir in cooked chicken or tofu.

🌿 Make it fully vegan

• Skip Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese.
• Or sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.