Today, we will be making a delicious and healthy Broccoli Pie. This savory pie is perfect for lunch or dinner with the whole family. It’s easy to prepare, and anyone can make it. Subscribe to my channel for more delicious and easy recipes!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Pie:
- Frozen broccoli: 800 g
- Frozen cauliflower: 200 g
- Cheese (cheddar recommended): 100 g
- Carrot: 1 pc.
- Onion: 1 pc.
- Butter: 10 g
- Ground black pepper: to taste
- Salt: to taste
For the Filling:
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- Eggs: 3 pcs.
- Milk: 400 ml
- Flour: 150 g
- Baking powder: 10 g
- Vegetable oil: 4 tbsp.
- Salt: 1 tsp (without a slide)
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Thaw the frozen broccoli and cauliflower at room temperature. Cut any large florets into smaller pieces if necessary.
- Cut the onion into quarter rings.
- Grate the carrot finely.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat a little vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden.
- Add the grated carrots to the onion and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Remove the sautéed vegetables from the heat.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Grease a baking dish (26 cm x 39 cm) with butter.
- Spread the thawed broccoli and cauliflower evenly in the dish.
- Add the sautéed onions and carrots, spreading them evenly over the broccoli and cauliflower.
- Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, beat the eggs with 1 tsp of salt.
- Add the milk and vegetable oil to the eggs and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the prepared filling evenly over the vegetables in the baking dish.
- Grate the cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the pie.
- Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before cutting it into portions.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, juicy, and satisfying Broccoli Pie.
Key Ingredients:
- Broccoli and Cauliflower: The stars of the dish, both vegetables provide a balance of textures. Broccoli adds a slightly crisp bite, while cauliflower lends a soft, creamy texture when baked.
- Cheese: A combination of cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan enhances the flavor and adds richness to the filling.
- Eggs and Cream: These ingredients form the custard-like base that holds the vegetables together, giving the pie its creamy, silky texture.
- Pie Crust: You can use either a homemade or store-bought pie crust for the base. A flaky, buttery crust complements the creamy filling beautifully.
- Onion and Garlic: Sautéed onions and garlic bring depth and a savory richness to the filling.
- Herbs and Spices: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary, along with a pinch of nutmeg, add a fragrant flavor profile to the pie.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in Fiber: Both broccoli and cauliflower are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion.
- Rich in Vitamins: Broccoli and cauliflower are packed with vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants, making this pie a nutritious choice.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This dish is an ideal vegetarian main course, offering a balance of protein from the eggs and cheese, along with plenty of vegetables.
Cooking Tips:
- Parboil the Vegetables: Lightly steam or parboil the broccoli and cauliflower before adding them to the pie. This ensures they are tender without becoming mushy during baking.
- Blind Bake the Crust: For a crisp crust, blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
- Even Layering: Spread the broccoli and cauliflower evenly in the pie to ensure that each bite has a good balance of vegetables and custard filling.
- Season Generously: Since the vegetables are mild in flavor, be sure to season the filling well with salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the taste.
Variations:
- Add Protein: For a more filling dish, you can add cooked chicken, ham, or crispy bacon to the pie.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut or almond milk, and use a vegan cheese to create a dairy-free version of this pie. Replace eggs with a flax egg or a tofu-based filling for the custard.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust or omit the crust entirely and bake the filling as a frittata.
- Cheese Variations: Try different types of cheese, such as feta for a tangy flavor, or blue cheese for a bolder, sharper taste.
Serving Suggestions:
- As a Main Dish: Serve slices of the pie with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a light meal.
- For Brunch or Lunch: This pie works wonderfully for brunch or lunch, paired with fresh bread and a simple vinaigrette-dressed salad.
- Side Dish: It can also serve as a hearty side dish for a larger meal, especially during holidays or special gatherings.
Cooking Method:
- Prepare the vegetables: Steam or boil the broccoli and cauliflower for about 5 minutes, until just tender, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the filling: Sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Whisk together eggs, cream, and cheese in a bowl, then stir in the sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs.
- Assemble the pie: Place the pre-cooked vegetables in the pie crust and pour the egg and cream mixture over them.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
Cooking Tips
- You can use fresh broccoli and cauliflower instead of frozen. If using fresh, blanch them briefly in boiling water before using.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in making this tasty Broccoli Pie. It’s a simple and versatile dish that’s always a hit. If you enjoyed this recipe, please like the video and leave a comment. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more delicious recipes. Cook deliciously, and cook with pleasure!