No supper would be complete without this healthy and flavorful dish! Creamy Baked Broccoli, Tomatoes, and Kale is a recipe that brings together the best of both worlds—nutrition and satisfaction. Crisp broccoli, tender baby kale, and juicy tomatoes are all enveloped in a velvety sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy your veggies.
Part 1: Preparing the Ingredients 🥦🍅🥬
Ingredients:
- 1 Large Broccoli: Only the florets are used, ensuring a tender texture.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: As needed for coating and sautéing.
- 1 Small Bunch of Baby Kale: Provides a tender, nutrient-packed green.
- 1 Small Onion, Chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 7 Small Garlic Cloves, Minced: For a fragrant, savory flavor.
- 12 Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, Halved: Brings a burst of juicy sweetness.
- 1 Knob of Butter: Essential for creating the creamy sauce.
- Salt: To taste.
- 1/4 Teaspoon Thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic note.
- 150 ml Cream: Forms the base of the velvety sauce.
- 1 Tablespoon Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
- Grated Mozzarella Cheese: As desired, for a melty, cheesy topping.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the broccoli and chop it into small florets.
- In a large bowl, toss the florets with olive oil until evenly coated.
👩‍🍳 Tip: Ensure the broccoli florets are well-coated with olive oil to achieve even roasting.
Part 2: Sautéing and Sauce-Making
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat a little olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the halved tomatoes and baby kale. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften and the greens wilt slightly.
- Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the knob of butter.
- Once melted, add the flour to the butter, stirring to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the cream, stirring continuously until a thick sauce forms.
- Season with thyme and salt to taste.
🌿 Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for an extra layer of warmth and depth.
Part 3: Assembling and Baking
Instructions:
- Mix and Bake:
- Add the broccoli florets to the pan and toss them in the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
🧀 Cheese Tip: For the best melting results, use freshly grated mozzarella.
Part 4: Serving and Storing
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