This delightful dish combines flavorful broccoli cheese balls with a rich and creamy roasted vegetable sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s both nutritious and satisfying, offering a blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 red pepper
- 1 teaspoon yellow paprika powder
- 3 tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian herbs
- Olive oil
- 1 broccoli head
- 1 egg
- 100g (3.52 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 tablespoons cornmeal
- 3-4 tablespoons semolina
- Mozzarella cheese, diced
- 30 ml cream
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Chop the onion, carrot, and red pepper. Cut the tomatoes into quarters and mince the garlic.
- Place the vegetables in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, and yellow paprika powder.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the vegetables are roasting, boil the broccoli for 10 minutes, then drain and let it cool.
- In a bowl, mash the cooked broccoli and mix with the egg, a pinch of salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese, cornmeal, and semolina until well combined.
- Form the broccoli mixture into small balls, placing a piece of diced mozzarella cheese in the center of each ball.
- Once the vegetables are done, add the minced garlic and blend until smooth. Mix in the cream to create a sauce.
- Place the broccoli balls in the sauce and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the balls are heated through.
- Serve hot, topped with extra cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions: Serve these broccoli cheese balls hot as an appetizer or a main dish. Pair them with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the broccoli is well-drained before mashing to avoid excess moisture in the balls.
- You can substitute yellow paprika powder with smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- For a crispier texture, you can lightly fry the broccoli balls before baking them in the sauce.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
- Rich in protein from the cheese and egg.
- Contains healthy fats from olive oil and cheese.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Gluten-free if you use gluten-free cornmeal and semolina alternatives.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. These broccoli balls can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Combines the creamy texture of cheese with the wholesome goodness of broccoli.
- Flavorful roasted vegetable sauce adds depth and richness.
- Versatile and can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course.
- Easy to prepare with simple, nutritious ingredients.
Conclusion: Broccoli Cheese Balls in Roasted Vegetable Sauce are a delicious and nutritious addition to your meal repertoire. Their rich flavors and comforting textures make them a family favorite, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the wholesome goodness and satisfying taste of this delightful dish!