This Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for dinner. Combining the flavors of crisp broccoli, tender kale, and juicy tomatoes with a rich and velvety sauce, this dish is topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying finish. Serve it as a main dish or a side, and enjoy a healthy meal that the whole family will love.
Total Time Required: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 large broccoli, cut into florets
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small bunch of baby kale
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 knob of butter
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 150 ml heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Method:
1. Prepare the Broccoli:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the broccoli thoroughly and chop it into small florets.
- Place the florets in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing them to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the halved tomatoes and baby kale to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften and the kale wilts slightly.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce:
- In a separate small saucepan, melt the knob of butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt to taste and the 1/4 teaspoon of thyme.
4. Assemble the Dish:
- In a large baking dish, combine the sautéed vegetables with the broccoli florets.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
5. Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
6. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy your Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale as a hearty main dish or a delightful side.
This dish is sure to be a hit at your table, bringing together vibrant vegetables and a rich, creamy sauce in every bite.
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