Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. broccoli florets
- 2 cups of grated Kaşar cheese
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Strainer
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Saucepan
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 they are tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the sauce. Mix well.
6. Add 1 1/2 cups of grated Kaşar cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Add the cooked broccoli to the cheese sauce. Mix well.
8. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Kaşar cheese on top of the casserole.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Total fat: 25g
Saturated fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use cheddar cheese instead of Kaşar cheese.
- You can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham to the casserole for a heartier meal.
- Use cauliflower instead of broccoli for a different flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the casserole for an earthy taste.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the broccoli until it is tender but still firm. Overcooked broccoli will become mushy in the casserole.
- Use a whisk to make sure the cheese sauce is smooth and free of lumps.
- Let the casserole 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 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.
- Garnish the casserole with chopped parsley or chives.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Chives
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad for a lighter meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for a more indulgent meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Side salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the cheese sauce is too thin, add more cheese to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the broccoli to a safe temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Kaşar cheese is a popular cheese in Turkey and is often used in traditional dishes like börek and pide.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Cheesy
- Nutty
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the casserole as a main dish for dinner or lunch.
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