Very Tasty and Quick Broccoli and Potato Bake

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Broccoli: 1 large head, cut into florets (about 4 cups).
• Potatoes: 800g, peeled and diced (about 4 cups).
• Parmesan Cheese: 40g, grated (⅓ cup).
• Mozzarella Cheese: 100g, shredded (1 cup).
• Vegetable Oil: As needed for greasing the baking dish.
• Salt: To taste, for seasoning.

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• Butter: 50g (¼ cup). Forms the base of the roux for the sauce.
• Flour: 50g (⅓ cup). Thickens the sauce.
• Milk: 500ml (2 cups). Creates a creamy consistency.
• Salt: To taste, for seasoning the sauce.
• Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon, for a hint of herbaceous flavor.

Number of Servings

This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information per serving (assuming 6 servings) is as follows:

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 26g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 10g

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Wash and Cut Broccoli
   • Begin by washing the broccoli thoroughly. Cut it into bite-sized florets. This will ensure even cooking and easy eating.
2. Peel and Slice Potatoes
   • Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform slices. This helps them cook evenly and mix well with the broccoli and cheese.
3. Grate and Slice Cheese
   • Grate the Parmesan cheese for a sharp, tangy addition. Slice the Mozzarella cheese for a creamy, gooey topping.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli and Potatoes

4. Boil Broccoli
   • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2 minutes. This quick blanching will keep them vibrant and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
5. Boil Potatoes
   • In the same pot, add the potato slices and cook for about 7 minutes until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside. This parboiling step ensures the potatoes are tender after baking.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

6. Melt Butter and Make Roux
   • In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and stir continuously to form a smooth roux. This will be the thickening base for your sauce.
7. Add Milk and Seasonings
   • Gradually add the milk to the roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Season with salt and rosemary, and continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly. This creamy sauce will bind all the ingredients together.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

8. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). This ensures that the bake cooks evenly.
9. Layer Ingredients
   • Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Start layering: first, add a layer of potatoes, then pour some béchamel sauce over them. Add a layer of broccoli, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and repeat the layers. Finish with a generous layer of Mozzarella on top. These layers create a deliciously complex dish.

Step 5: Bake

10. Bake the Dish
    • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. The baking time allows all the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Serve

11. Cool and Serve
    • Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes to set. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. This dish is perfect for any meal and is sure to impress.

Conclusion

This Broccoli and Potato Bake is a perfect blend of vegetables and creamy cheese, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Enjoy the nutritious and delicious flavors of this easy-to-make bake, and savor every bite of this wholesome dish!