This baked broccoli dish is a weekend favorite in our household, making everyone happy with its delightful blend of flavors. It’s a quick and delicious recipe that’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekends or any time you want a tasty, nutritious meal. Packed with wholesome ingredients and seasoned with aromatic herbs, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- Olive oil (for cooking and blending)
- 1 broccoli, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg
- 6 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons Herbs of Provence
- Salt, to taste
- 1 pepper
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 70 grams cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 tomatoes
- 125 grams mozzarella
- Sesame seeds (2 teaspoons)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice the onion and carrot.
- Heat a bit of olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and carrot until they are soft and slightly golden.
- Add the broccoli pieces to the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
- Egg and Herb Mixture:
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 6 tablespoons of water.
- Add 3 tablespoons of Herbs of Provence and a pinch of salt.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Let the broccoli cool slightly, then mix it with the egg and herb mixture.
- First Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil and spread the broccoli mixture evenly in the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the broccoli is baking, blend the pepper, garlic, 4 tablespoons of olive oil, and cheese in a blender until smooth.
- Add the Sauce and Cheese:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and pour the blended sauce over the broccoli.
- Sprinkle 70 grams of cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Tomato and Mozzarella Mixture:
- While the broccoli and cheese are baking, dice the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- In a bowl, mix the tomatoes, mozzarella, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper to taste, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Add a pinch of Herbs of Provence for extra flavor.
- Mix well and cover the bowl. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Finishing Touch:
- Just before serving, heat a small pan and dry-fry the sesame seeds for 1-2 minutes until they are golden and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the baked broccoli.
More Information About the Recipe
This recipe combines the nutritious goodness of broccoli with the rich flavors of cheese and aromatic herbs. The tomato and mozzarella mixture adds a fresh, tangy contrast that complements the baked broccoli perfectly. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish, and it’s perfect for meal prepping as it stores well in the fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weekends, this recipe comes together quickly and requires minimal effort.
- Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and wholesome ingredients, this dish is both healthy and satisfying.
- Flavorful: The blend of Herbs of Provence, smoked paprika, and fresh garlic creates a rich and aromatic flavor profile.
- Versatile: Can be served as a main dish or a side, and it’s great for meal prep.
Nutritional Benefits
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Carrots add beta-carotene and vitamin A, while tomatoes provide lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health. The cheese adds a source of protein and calcium, making this dish a balanced and wholesome meal.
Conclusion
This baked broccoli with herbs and cheese is a delightful and nutritious recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its quick preparation and delicious flavors, it’s the perfect addition to your weekend cooking repertoire. Try it out, and enjoy a meal that’s as healthy as it is tasty!