Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cașcaval cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot
- 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 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and cook for another minute.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk until combined.
6. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
7. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cașcaval cheese until melted and smooth.
9. Add the cooked broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
10. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
11. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
13. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 590mg
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Broccoli can be substituted with cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
- Cașcaval cheese can be substituted with cheddar or Gouda cheese.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham to the casserole for a protein boost.
- Top the casserole with sliced tomatoes before adding the breadcrumbs.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the onion mixture for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the broccoli until it is tender but still slightly firm so it doesn't turn mushy in the casserole.
- Use a whisk to prevent lumps from forming in the cheese sauce.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored 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 until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top of the casserole before serving.
Pairings:
Serve the casserole with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Garlic bread
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.
- If the breadcrumbs are not golden brown after baking, broil the casserole for a few minutes until they are crispy.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the casserole to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Casseroles have been a popular comfort food in American cuisine since the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, and savory.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the casserole as a main dish for dinner or as a side dish for a holiday meal.
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Region: Romanian