Savor a Comforting Broccoli and Potato Bake

Delight in the warmth and richness of a home-cooked meal with this broccoli and potato bake, adorned with creamy bechamel sauce and a generous blend of cheeses. This versatile recipe can easily be adapted with cauliflower, offering a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Here’s how to create this comforting dish from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of broccoli
• 500 grams of potatoes
• 40 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
• 40 grams of grated mozzarella cheese

For the Bechamel Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 500 ml (2 cups) of whole milk
• 1 teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt
• A pinch of ground nutmeg
• 20 grams of grated Parmesan cheese for the sauce

Directions:

Preparing the Vegetables:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Prepare the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into florets and steam until just tender. Set aside to cool.
3. Boil the Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. Boil them in salted water until they are just soft, then drain.

Making the Bechamel Sauce:

1. Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Flour: Sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, until the mixture turns golden brown.
3. Incorporate Milk: Gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk to ensure a smooth sauce. Add the pink Himalayan salt and a pinch of nutmeg for flavor.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the 20 grams of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.

Assembling the Bake:

1. Layer Potatoes: In a greased baking dish, arrange a layer of boiled potato slices at the bottom.
2. Add Broccoli: Spread the steamed broccoli florets over the potatoes.
3. Pour Bechamel Sauce: Cover the vegetables with the bechamel sauce, ensuring even distribution.
4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.

Baking:

1. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. Broil (optional): For an extra crispy cheese topping, broil for the last few minutes of baking.

Serving:

Let the bake cool slightly before serving. This dish is a wonderful standalone meal or can be paired with a light salad for added freshness. The combination of creamy sauce, tender vegetables, and a cheesy crust creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s sure to comfort and satisfy.

Whether you stick with broccoli or opt for cauliflower, this versatile bake promises a deliciously warming experience with every bite. Enjoy the process of creating and sharing this dish with loved ones.