Budget Red Bean, Zucchini and Oregano Bread Bake

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F and lightly grease a small baking dish with a little vegetable oil.

2. 2

   Place the bread in a bowl, pour in the milk, and let it soak for 5 minutes until softened.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 4 minutes, add the garlic, and cook 1 minute more. Stir in the grated and squeezed zucchini, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until the zucchini loses some of its moisture.

4. 4

   Transfer the cooked red beans to a large bowl and lightly mash them with a fork, leaving some texture.

5. 5

   Add the soaked bread with the milk, the onion-zucchini mixture, the beaten eggs, and half of the grated cheese to the bowl. Mix well until you have a moist, even mixture.

6. 6

   Spread the mixture into the baking dish, level the top, and sprinkle with the remaining grated cheese and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.

7. 7

   Bake at 200 °C / 400 °F for 30 to 35 minutes, until the bake is set in the center and golden on top.

8. 8

   Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving so it firms up slightly.