Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup of grated smoked Ardrahan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling broccoli
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
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 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and dried thyme until smooth.
5. Add the milk mixture to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the grated smoked Ardrahan cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and combined.
7. Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and stir until coated in the cheese sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
10. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the mixture.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 280
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 420mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Regular Ardrahan cheese can be used instead of smoked Ardrahan cheese.
- Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried thyme.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham for a heartier meal.
- Substitute cauliflower for broccoli.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the broccoli until just tender to avoid it becoming mushy in the bake.
- Use a good quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate 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 in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the bake in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top of the bake for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Serve with a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- If the breadcrumbs are not browning, place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the broccoli and cheese sauce to the appropriate temperature to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
Ardrahan cheese is a semi-soft, cow's milk cheese that originated in County Cork, Ireland in the 1980s. It is known for its rich, creamy flavor and slightly tangy finish.
Flavor profiles:
The smoked Ardrahan cheese adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish, while the Dijon mustard and smoked paprika add a subtle kick of spice.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the bake as a main dish for a vegetarian meal or as a side dish for a meat-based meal.
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Region: Irish