Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of Maredsous cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until smooth.
5. Gradually add the milk to the pot, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
6. Add the grated Maredsous cheese to the pot and stir until melted.
7. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add the blanched broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
9. Pour the broccoli and cheese mixture into a baking dish.
10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the mixture.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 280
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 14g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer instead of Maredsous cheese.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham to the broccoli and cheese mixture for added protein.
- Substitute cauliflower for broccoli for a different flavor.
- Add chopped garlic or onion to the cheese sauce for added flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to blanch the broccoli before adding it to the cheese sauce to ensure it is cooked through.
- Use a whisk to make sure the cheese sauce is smooth and free of lumps.
- If the top of the bake is not golden brown after 25 minutes, turn on the broiler for a few minutes to brown the top.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Maredsous Cheese and Broccoli Bake in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top of the bake for added color and flavor.
Pairings:
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted potatoes or garlic bread make great side dishes for this bake.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out. If it is too thin, add more cheese.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the broccoli thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Maredsous cheese is a Belgian cheese that is made by Trappist monks.
Flavor profiles:
This dish has a creamy and cheesy flavor with a slight crunch from the breadcrumbs.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this dish as a side dish or a main course for a vegetarian meal.
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Region: Belgian