Vegetable and Bacon Foil Bake

This delicious vegetable and bacon foil bake is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and savory bacon wrapped in foil and cooked to perfection. It's a dish that celebrates the natural flavors of garden-fresh produce, enhanced by the richness of cheese and the burst of juicy currants. Perfect as a main course or as a side dish, this recipe brings warmth and comfort to any meal. It's simple to prepare yet offers a complexity of flavors that will impress your family and friends. The aromatic strips of bacon add a satisfying depth, while the garlic and herbs infuse the vegetables with a fragrant zest. This dish is versatile enough to be adapted for different tastes and dietary requirements. Serve it as a vibrant centerpiece at a dinner party or as a comforting weekday meal. The mix of colorful vegetables not only makes it a visual treat but also packs in a variety of nutrients. Whether you're an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is both manageable and rewarding.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 small cabbage
• 2-3 small zucchinis
• 6 small red beets
• 4 new potatoes
• 10 cloves of garlic
• 1 onion
• 10 baby carrots
• 10 pods of green peas
• 200 g bacon
• 200 g cheese
• 1 cup red currants

Spices

• Salt
• Pepper

For Decoration

• 2 cucumbers
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• Basil
• Dill
• Red currants

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Foil: Spread out a large sheet of foil on a flat surface. This will be the base for your vegetable and bacon stack.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Slice the cabbage, zucchinis, beets, potatoes, baby carrots, and onion into thin, even pieces.
3. Layer the Vegetables: Begin layering the vegetables on the foil. Start with the cabbage, then add the beets, zucchinis, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic cloves.
4. Add Peas and Seasonings: Sprinkle the green peas over the vegetables. Season the layers with salt, pepper, and a handful of red currants.
5. Include the Bacon: Lay out the strips of bacon over the layered vegetables, ensuring even coverage for added flavor.
6. Grate the Cheese: Finely grate the cheese and spread it evenly over the bacon and vegetables.
7. Wrap it Up: Carefully fold the foil over the ingredients, creating a sealed package to retain the steam and flavors.
8. Initial Bake: Place the foil pack in a preheated oven at 180°C (355°F) and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Finish Baking: After 30 minutes, open the foil to allow the top to crisp up and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
10. Prep for Serving: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully press the foil edges down to form a neat border.
11. Decorate the Dish: Transfer the foil-pack to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced cucumbers, dill, basil, and extra red currants.
12. Add Condiments: Drizzle or serve on the side with a spoonful of mayonnaise or your preferred sauce.
13. Final Touches: Add fresh green pea pods for a pop of color and texture.
14. Ready to Serve: With an inviting aroma and enticing appearance, your dish is ready to be enjoyed.
15. Suggestions for Pairing: Pair this dish with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
16. Additional Flavor Boost: Sprinkle a bit of lemon zest or a dash of your favorite pesto for a unique twist.

Tips

• Substitution: Feel free to replace the bacon with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Cheese Variety: Choose your favorite cheese, whether it's Gouda, cheddar, or a spicy pepper jack, to customize the flavor.
• Herbs Alternative: Use thyme or rosemary in place of basil for a different herbal fragrance.
• Foil Hack: Double-layer the foil to prevent leaks and ensure even cooking.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 350 per serving
• Protein: 15 g
• Fats: 20 g
• Carbs: 30 g

Variations

• Vegan Option: Omit the cheese and bacon; use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor and tofu for protein.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure that all condiments and sauces used are gluten-free.
• Low-Carb: Reduce or eliminate potatoes and add more zucchini and squash.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Add a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a warming and fulfilling meal.
• Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and extra basil for added aroma.

Best Places

1. The Garden Table - A haven for fresh, locally-sourced dishes. Location: 123 Farm Lane, Austin, USA.
2. Veggie Delights - Offering creative vegetable-based cuisine. Location: 456 Green Road, Vancouver, Canada.
3. Herbivore Haven - Celebrated for its innovative vegetarian menu. Location: 789 Leafy Avenue, Sydney, Australia.
4. Healthy Harvest - Known for rustic and wholesome food. Location: 321 Sunshine Blvd, Cape Town, South Africa.
5. Bounty of Nature - Features an array of organic, vibrant dishes. Location: 654 Earth Street, London, UK.
6. Eco Dine - Emphasizing sustainability and flavor. Location: 987 Eco Way, San Francisco, USA.
7. Flora Feast - Revisits classic recipes with a vegetable twist. Location: 135 Bloom Lane, Paris, France.
8. Green Market Bistro - Perfect for clean and delicious meals. Location: 246 Seed Street, Berlin, Germany.
9. Nature’s Palette - Combines diverse flavors and healthy ingredients. Location: 678 Color Valley, Tokyo, Japan.
10. Verdant Life - Celebrated for its farm-to-table philosophy. Location: 543 Growers Ave, Sao Paulo, Brazil.