Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Small bunch of baby kale
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- Knob of butter
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 150 ml heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broccoli:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss broccoli florets with olive oil in a large bowl until evenly coated.
2. Quickly Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat a little olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onion for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add halved tomatoes and baby kale to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften and kale wilts slightly.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the knob of butter to melt.
- Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and stir to combine, cooking for a minute to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until a thick sauce forms.
- Season with thyme and salt to taste.
4. Mix and Bake:
- Add the broccoli florets to the pan with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer everything to a baking dish and spread out evenly.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until broccoli is tender and cheese is melted and golden brown.
6. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy this creamy and cheesy dish as a main course or a side dish.
Notes:
- Serve with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a lighter option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before serving.
This Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale recipe promises to be a hit with its flavorful combination of vegetables and creamy sauce topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Enjoy your meal!
