Italian > Gratin

Cotechino and Broccoli Gratin Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb cotechino sausage, sliced
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into florets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Oven-safe baking dish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.

3. In the same pot, cook the cotechino sausage slices until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.

4. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture turns golden brown.

5. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

6. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Add the cooked broccoli and cotechino sausage to the pot and stir to combine.

8. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish.

9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cotechino sausage can be substituted with any other type of sausage.
- Broccoli can be substituted with cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any other type of hard cheese.

Variations:
- Add diced potatoes to the mixture for a heartier dish.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
- Add breadcrumbs to the top for extra crunch.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the broccoli and cotechino sausage separately before adding them to the sauce.
- Use a whisk to prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.
- Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent burns.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Side salad
- Crusty bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, add more flour to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the sausage and broccoli to the appropriate temperature to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Cotechino sausage is a traditional Italian sausage made with pork, fatback, and spices.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for dinner or as a side dish for a holiday meal.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Rich, Creamy, Cheesy, Umami