Ingredients:

• 500g Broccoli: The star of the dish, providing a nutritious base full of vitamins and fiber.
• 1 Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the casserole.
• 1 Carrot: Provides a subtle sweetness and additional nutrients.
• 1 Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and a mild, sweet taste.
• 1 Clove Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with a slight pungency.
• 5 Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds protein.
• 200ml Cooking Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the casserole.
• 100g Parmesan Cheese: Divided into 50g for the egg mixture and 50g for the topping, adding a nutty, salty flavor.
• Salt, to Taste: Season to your preference.
• Pepper, to Taste: Adds a bit of heat and depth of flavor.
• Basil, to Taste (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant, herbal note.
• 1 Tablespoon Butter: Used for sautéing the vegetables.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broccoli:

Wash and Soak:

• Start by thoroughly washing 500g of broccoli under running water. For an extra layer of cleanliness, soak the broccoli in a water and vinegar solution for about 10 minutes. This step helps to remove any residual dirt and impurities.

Grate the Broccoli:

• Once cleaned, grate the broccoli using a box grater or food processor. Set the grated broccoli aside in a large mixing bowl.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

Dice the Vegetables:

• Dice 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 red bell pepper, and 1 clove of garlic into small, even cubes. This ensures that they cook evenly and blend well in the casserole.

Sauté the Garlic:

• In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Cook the Onion and Carrot:

• Add the diced onion and carrot to the skillet with the garlic. Cook them together for about 2 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. This allows the onion to soften and the carrot to start releasing its sweetness.

Add the Red Bell Pepper:

• After 2 minutes, add the diced red bell pepper to the pan. Continue cooking the vegetables for another 10 minutes, uncovered, over low heat. Stir occasionally until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.

3. Combine Ingredients:

Mix Vegetables with Broccoli:

• Once the vegetables are cooked, transfer them to the bowl with the grated broccoli. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

Whisk Eggs and Cream:

• In a separate bowl, crack 5 eggs and whisk them together with 200ml of cooking cream. The cream adds a rich texture to the egg mixture.

Add Seasoning and Cheese:

• Season the egg mixture with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil. Stir in 50g of grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. This mixture will bind the casserole and add a savory flavor.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

Prepare the Tray:

• Line a 34 × 24 cm baking tray with baking paper for easy removal of the casserole, or grease it generously with butter to prevent sticking.

Spread the Broccoli and Vegetables:

• Evenly spread the broccoli and sautéed vegetable mixture into the prepared tray. Make sure it is level to ensure even baking.

Pour the Egg Mixture:

• Pour the egg and cream mixture over the top of the broccoli and vegetables, ensuring it seeps through all the nooks and crannies.

Add Topping:

• Sprinkle the remaining 50g of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole for a golden, cheesy crust. If desired, garnish with a little extra basil.

6. Bake:

Bake the Casserole:

• Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle.

7. Serve:

Cool Slightly and Serve:

• Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into portions. This makes it easier to serve and helps the flavors meld together.
• Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious and healthy broccoli casserole!

Additional Information:

Storage Options:

• Refrigeration: This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place any leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap.
• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 1 month. Slice it into portions, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Facts (Approximate per Serving):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 12g

Tips for Success:

• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables will give you the best flavor and texture in the casserole. Avoid using frozen broccoli unless it’s thoroughly thawed and drained, as excess water can make the casserole soggy.
• Even Cooking: To ensure the casserole cooks evenly, make sure to spread the broccoli and vegetable mixture in an even layer before adding the egg mixture.
• Cheese Variation: For a different flavor profile, you can substitute Parmesan cheese with Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella.

Possible Questions & Answers:

1. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

• Yes, feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach would be great additions. Just ensure that any added vegetables are cooked and drained well to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

3. Is there a dairy-free option?

• To make this casserole dairy-free, substitute the cooking cream with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat cream, and use a dairy-free cheese option.

4. How can I make this dish more filling?

• You can add cooked quinoa, brown rice, or even a layer of cooked pasta to the base before adding the vegetables and egg mixture to make this dish more substantial.

5. What if I don’t have a large baking tray?

• If you don’t have a 34 × 24 cm tray, you can use a smaller one. Just be aware that the casserole will be thicker, so you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts:

This Broccoli and Vegetable Casserole is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed at any meal. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients, easy to make, and adaptable to your tastes. Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday meal or a dish for a special gathering, this casserole is sure to please!