This Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole is a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for a satisfying weekend meal. It’s packed with nutritious vegetables, a creamy sauce, and a cheesy topping, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
Ingredients
For the Vegetables:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 leek, sliced
- 8 mushrooms, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 branch of cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil for frying
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Egg Mixture:
- 4 eggs
- 2.5 cups (500 ml) milk
- 130 grams (4.58 oz) all-purpose flour
- Fresh dill and parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 150 grams (5.29 oz) grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Directions
- Cook the Cauliflower:
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- In a large pot of boiling water, add 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of milk. This addition of milk helps prevent the cauliflower from browning while cooking.
- Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5 minutes.
- Drain the cooked cauliflower and set it aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Following the same method, prepare the broccoli by cutting it into florets.
- In a separate pot of boiling water with 1 teaspoon of salt, cook the broccoli florets for 2 minutes.
- Drain the cooked broccoli and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced leeks and cook them until softened and translucent.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and season with salt and black pepper. Sauté them until cooked through.
- Add the chopped yellow bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes, allowing it to soften slightly.
- Finally, stir in the cherry tomatoes and remove the pan from heat.
- Whisk Up the Eggs:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, chopped fresh dill and parsley, and minced garlic. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked cauliflower, broccoli, and the sautéed vegetables from the pan.
- Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables in the baking dish, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Prepare the Cheesy Topping:
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the baked casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the casserole to set further and prevents it from being runny.
- Enjoy this delicious and comforting Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole as a main dish or side dish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Cooking Tips:
- Cut Even Florets: Ensure the cauliflower and broccoli florets are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the egg mixture before pouring it over the vegetables to adjust seasoning as needed.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set and cool slightly.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Broccoli and Cauliflower: Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Leeks and Bell Peppers: Add vitamins A, C, and beneficial phytonutrients.
- Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Low-Carb Option: Reduce the amount of flour or use almond flour as a substitute.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy and Quick: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe easy to prepare.
- Delicious: The creamy sauce and cheesy topping create a mouth-watering flavor combination.
- Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, this casserole is a healthy choice for any meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family meals or gatherings, everyone will love this comforting dish.
Conclusion:
This Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole is a delightful and versatile dish that combines the best of nutritious vegetables with a creamy, cheesy topping. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this comforting casserole as a main dish or a side, and savor the delicious flavors in every bite.
Happy cooking!