This veggie-packed, low-calorie casserole uses a combination of full-fat Swiss and Parmesan-and a little goes a long way, cutting down on the fat without sacrificing flavor. Serve with a green salad on the side to round out the meal.
Directions for: Healthy Squash and Kale Casserole
Ingredients
2 Tbsp olive oil
medium yellow onion, chopped
6 cups finely chopped kale (about 5 oz)
1 small garlic clove, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups of 1/2-inch diced yellow squash (about 8 oz)
2 cups of 1/2-inch diced zucchini (about 8 oz)
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
3 cups frozen brown rice, thawed
1 cup grated Swiss
cup grated Parmesan
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
Cooking spray
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until just browned and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the kale, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook until the kale is bright green, about 2 minutes. Add the broth and continue to cook until the kale is wilted and most of the broth is absorbed, about 5 minutes more. Add the squash, zucchini and 1/2 teaspoon salt and toss to combine with the kale. Continue cooking until the squash begins to soften, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the mayonnaise.
2. Toss the cooked vegetables, brown rice, cheeses, 1/2 cup of the bread crumbs and the egg in a large bowl until mixed. Spray a 9-inch square or 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Spread the mixture in the bottom of the casserole and top with the remaining 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bake until the squash and zucchini are tender and the top is browned and crisp, about 35 minutes. Serve hot.
Tips and Substitutions
Make-Ahead Tip: Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 weeks. Cover with foil and reheat at 350 degrees F until hot, 35 to 45 minutes.
Source and Credits
Copyright 2013 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved
Courtesy of Food Network Kitchen
See more: Casserole, Cheese, Eggs/Dairy, Rice/Grain, Side, Vegetables