Vegetables au Gratin

Assemble this early on the day of your dinner to save last-minute hurrying.

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients

• 2  large leeks (about 1 1/4 pounds)
• 1  pound  fresh brussels sprouts
• Vegetable cooking spray
• 1  teaspoon  olive oil
• 3  cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/2  cups  (1/2-inch) sliced carrot
• 2  tablespoons  water
• 1  tablespoon  margarine
• 3  tablespoons  all-purpose flour
• 2  cups  2% low-fat milk
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt-free lemon-pepper herb and spice blend
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 2  tablespoons  cornflake crumbs
• 2  tablespoons  grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Remove roots, outer leaves, and tops from leeks, leaving 6 inches of each leek. Cut each leek in half lengthwise. Cut each half crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices. Rinse under cold water; drain. Set aside.

Wash brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water, and remove discolored leaves. Cut off stem ends, and cut large sprouts in half; set aside.

Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; add oil. Place over medium heat until hot. Add leeks and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Add sprouts, carrot, and water; cover and cook 15 minutes. Spoon vegetable mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray; set aside.

Melt margarine in a small saucepan over medium-low heat; stir in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring with a wire whisk until well blended. Increase heat to medium; cook 6 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in lemon-pepper blend and salt. Pour sauce over vegetable mixture. (Cover and chill mixture now, if desired.)

Combine cornflake crumbs and cheese; stir well. Sprinkle over vegetable mixture. Cover and bake at 350º for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

160 (30% from fat)

Fat:

5.3g (sat 1.8g,mono 2g,poly 0.9g)

Protein:

6.4g

Carbohydrate:

23.3g

Fiber:

3.7g

Cholesterol:

8mg

Iron:

2mg

Sodium:

249mg

Calcium:

179mg