Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup Talesh cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and whisk until smooth.
6. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
7. Add grated Talesh cheese to the skillet and stir until melted.
8. Add cooked broccoli to the skillet and stir until coated in the cheese sauce.
9. Pour the broccoli mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the broccoli mixture.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat per serving: 12g
Carbohydrates per serving: 22g
Protein per serving: 13g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of cheese can be substituted for Talesh cheese.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted for regular breadcrumbs.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham to the broccoli mixture for a heartier meal.
- Use cauliflower instead of broccoli for a different flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes to the cheese sauce for a burst of freshness.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the broccoli until tender before adding it to the cheese sauce.
- Use a whisk to ensure the cheese sauce is smooth and free of lumps.
- If the breadcrumbs are not browning, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
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 Talesh Cheese and Broccoli Bake in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top of the bake before serving.
Pairings:
Serve 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 a splash of milk to thin it out.
- If the cheese sauce is too thin, add a tablespoon of flour to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the broccoli until tender to avoid any potential foodborne illness.
Food history:
Talesh cheese is a type of Iranian cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a tangy and salty flavor that pairs well with broccoli.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, tangy, and salty.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Talesh Cheese and Broccoli Bake as a main course for dinner.
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