CREAMY BAKED BROCCOLI WITH TOMATOES AND KALE

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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