Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. Leipäjuusto cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 lb. broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp. melted butter
Special equipment needed:
- Large casserole dish
- Large pot for boiling broccoli
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, until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until softened.
4. Add the flour to the skillet and stir until combined.
5. Gradually add the milk to the skillet, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
6. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the skillet and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Add the Leipäjuusto cheese and cooked broccoli to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined.
8. Pour the mixture into a large casserole dish.
9. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter.
10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
11. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and 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: 350
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 620mg
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Leipäjuusto cheese can be substituted with any other firm cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss.
- Broccoli can be substituted with any other vegetable, such as cauliflower or asparagus.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any other hard cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham to the casserole for a heartier meal.
- Substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or potato chips for a different texture.
- Add chopped herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the sauce for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to drain the broccoli well to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
- Use a high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
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:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with roasted potatoes or crusty bread.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the casserole is too dry, add more milk to the sauce. If it is too watery, drain the broccoli more thoroughly.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the broccoli to the recommended temperature to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Leipäjuusto is a traditional Finnish cheese that is made by heating milk until it curdles, then pressing the curds into a flat disc. It is often served grilled or baked and is a popular ingredient in Finnish cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
This casserole is creamy and cheesy with a hint of nutmeg and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the casserole hot and bubbly, straight from the oven.
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Region: Finnish