Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 2 cups of grated Bosnian Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling broccoli
- Medium saucepan for making cheese sauce
- Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the flour to the saucepan and whisk until it forms a paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Slowly add the milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Add the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the saucepan and stir to combine.
7. Add the grated Bosnian Gruyère cheese to the saucepan and stir until melted and smooth.
8. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the cooked broccoli and cheese sauce. Repeat until all of the broccoli and cheese sauce has been used.
9. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 325
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Broccoli can be substituted with cauliflower or asparagus.
- Bosnian Gruyère cheese can be substituted with regular Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham to the casserole for a heartier meal.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
- Top the casserole with sliced tomatoes before adding the breadcrumbs.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to cook the broccoli until it is tender but still has a bit of bite to it.
- Use a whisk to prevent lumps in the cheese sauce.
- If the breadcrumbs are not browning, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice pilaf
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the cheese sauce is too thin, add more grated cheese until it thickens.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the broccoli until it is fully cooked to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food History:
Bosnian cuisine is a blend of Eastern and Western influences, with dishes that are hearty and flavorful. This casserole is a classic Bosnian dish that combines broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce.
Flavor Profiles:
This casserole is creamy and cheesy with a hint of nutmeg and black pepper. The broccoli adds a fresh and slightly bitter flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this casserole as a main dish for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a holiday meal.
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Region: Bosnian