Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 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 ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of Kochkäse cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Add the flour to the skillet and whisk until combined. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
5. Gradually add the milk to the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
6. Add the salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Kochkäse cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Add the cooked broccoli florets to the skillet and stir to coat with the cheese sauce.
9. Transfer the broccoli mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
10. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.
11. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
12. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 220
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 11g
Sodium: 410mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Broccoli can be substituted with cauliflower or asparagus.
- Kochkäse cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham to the casserole for a heartier meal.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onion and garlic for extra flavor.
- Top the casserole with additional grated cheese before baking for a cheesier dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the flour in the skillet for at least 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture on top of the casserole.
- The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
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 crusty bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the breadcrumbs on top of the casserole are not crispy enough, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the broccoli florets until tender to prevent any potential foodborne illness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Kochkäse is a German cheese that is made by cooking curdled milk with salt and other seasonings until it forms a smooth, spreadable cheese.
Flavor profiles:
This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and savory with a hint of nutmeg.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the casserole as a main dish for a vegetarian meal or as a side dish for a meat-based meal.
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Region: German