High-Protein Vegetable Brownies Recipe Is Packed With Savory Mediterranean Goodness by Elisa Schmitz

You know how important it is to eat your vegetables but, if you're like me, sometimes it may seem like a whole lot of work to do it. I try to eat a healthy Mediterranean diet, but there are still many days when I fall short of my nutrition goals. If you or your family members have a hard time getting in your veggies – for whatever reason – then I have an amazing recipe for you. This easy high-protein vegetable "brownies" recipe is packed with Mediterranean goodness.

Photo credit (all photos): Elisa Schmitz

With plenty of colorful veggies, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is so simple yet packs a bunch of nutrition. Check out the health benefits of spinach and the health benefits of carrots, which are part of a heart-healthy Mediterranean Diet. This flavorful high-protein vegetable recipe is simple and satisfying. Although these tasty veggie squares are savory instead of sweet, they have a brownie-like texture that is irresistible. It's such a fun way to eat your vegetables and, thanks to the cottage cheese, these veggie brownies offer some protein, too (learn why protein is so important).

To make these delicious vegetable snack bars, here are the nourishing ingredients you'll need to gather: extra virgin olive oil, onion, yellow bell pepper, shredded carrots, fresh spinach, flour (all-purpose or gluten-free), baking powder, garlic powder, eggs, cottage cheese and butter. The flaky sea salt sprinkle is optional. All you do is sauté the veggies then set them aside while you mix up the easy batter. Combine the vegetables with the batter, spread it into a baking pan and bake until golden. So simple yet so satisfying.

Serve these savory vegetable brownies as a quick meal for breakfast, as a light lunch or as a vegetarian side dish with just about any dinner. They also make great grab-and-go snacks any time of day.

Cuisine: Mediterranean / American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes (ovens vary)
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced (or your favorite bell pepper)
• 1 1/4 cups shredded carrots
• 5 ounces fresh spinach
• 1 1/4 cups flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional)
• salt and pepper, to taste (optional, but I used about 1/4 teaspoon of each)

Here's how to make it:

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan with sides over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, onions, bell peppers and carrots. Sauté until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. (I used a yellow bell pepper, but you could use whichever color bell pepper you prefer.)
   
2. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and drain any excess moisture.
   
3. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder and garlic powder. Whisk to combine. (To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour.)
   
4. Add in the eggs, cottage cheese and melted butter. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, if desired. Stir to combine.
   
5. Add the vegetable mixture and stir to combine. (If your vegetable mixture still has excess moisture, you may want to place it on paper towels first to remove moisture before adding it to the mixing bowl.)
   
6. Pour mixture into a 13x9-inch baking pan or casserole dish that's been sprayed with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper.
   
7. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, to taste, if desired.
   
8. Bake in an oven that's been preheated to 375 degrees F until golden brown, about 25 to 35 minutes (it should pass the toothpick test).
   
9. Allow to cool a bit before cutting into squares and serving.
   
10. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven.
    

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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