Stepping towards the perfect figure with broccoli casserole
You can enjoy the incomparable taste of fish dishes without the participation of the fish itself. Broccoli casserole is a worthy alternative to such expensive dishes. The delicious aroma that comes out of the oven and the grainy texture of this cabbage will leave no one indifferent. Especially women who are worried about their figure will love her. Moreover, preparing such an exquisite treat is easy, inexpensive and simple. And it will take them only 50 minutes, or even less.
This cabbage is unique in its kind as it is dietary, medicinal and non-allergenic at the same time. It (along with zucchini) can be given to young children, as the first products of adult food.
Find out:how to cook frozen cauliflower?
Chicken sold for a million $
Such a price, of course, does not exist for chicken. However, after preparing an appetizing casserole with broccoli and chicken, it will be worth it. The products are juicy, but at the same time tender and tasty. This result can be achieved only if:
- Wash 300 g of chicken fillet and remove the film, cut into strips along the fibers;
- salt and pepper, and then put on the bottom of the goose-bowl (without adding vegetable oil);
- each inflorescence (cabbage needs 500 g), separate into smaller fractions;
- pour boiling water over the twigs (it is advisable to salt a liter of water) using a colander;
- gently lay the inflorescences on top of the meat;
- prepare the filling: whisking an egg with spices and salt, pour 250 ml of kefir in a small stream and thicken the mixture with 2 tbsp. l. flour;
- Russian cheese (100 g) grate a medium size;
- pour the ingredients with this sauce so that they practically disappear, and grind the top with shavings;
- send the form for half an hour to the oven, preheated to 180 degrees;
- after baking, let the food cool slightly;
- Garnish the broccoli casserole with parsley and green onion feathers before serving.
It is noteworthy, but the technology and cooking time of this dish may differ for some chefs. They add a few more steps to the main processes, namely:
- dicing chicken fillet;
- frying / boiling meat with spices and onions (curry or suneli hops) in a small amount of oil;
- blanching of inflorescences in salted water (up to 3 minutes);
- whipping cream / sour cream with an egg in a blender (it is important not to forget to add salt and pepper).
At the same time, for a brighter and more piquant taste, you can grate pickled / pickled cucumber with these products. One way or another, such a dish is baked a little faster than usual, only 20-25 minutes. It can be served to the table along with slicing of hard cheese or fresh vegetables: tomatoes in company with bell peppers. Lettuce leaves, arugula, and green onions will surely provide guests with a real explosion of flavors.
Before serving, the casserole should be removed from the mold and hot divided into separate portions. According to tradition, for such a meal, the hostess must provide a fork and knife, as well as a glass of water.
Sister duet
Megadietic will turn out to be a broccoli casserole and cauliflower... These two "related" products are in perfect harmony in taste, color and texture.Nevertheless, it is worth choosing the sauce and accompanying ingredients wisely. In no case should they "drown out" the delicate taste of these two types of cabbage. Therefore, you can safely add carrots, leeks, bell peppers, tomatoes and even a sweet and sour apple to such a “sister duet”. However, in order for everything to work out five stars, you need to follow these steps step by step:
- divide and cut the inflorescences;
- for three minutes boil the cabbage in salted water and pour it into a colander so that it dries out;
- chop the onion and garlic, which will give the dish a magical aroma;
- fry them for 2 minutes. in oil, adding 3 tbsp. l. flour;
- pour 150-200 ml of meat or fish broth (after 5 minutes put 4 pieces of butter / cheese in the sauce);
- season with salt, paprika, pepper and nutmeg;
- Mix 100 g of breading with spices, pouring 4 tbsp. l. butter (melted), grind thoroughly;
- grind 100-150 g of parmesan cheese or fontina.
At this stage, the basic preparations are made. This is followed by the familiar steps of “packing” the broccoli casserole that is cooked in the oven. Until the sauce has cooled down, you need to quickly shape it, and for this you will need:
- Place ½ part of the cabbage on the bottom of the dish, pour half of the cream sauce and sprinkle with cheese shavings;
- put the remaining ingredients in the same order;
- in conclusion, evenly distribute the oiled bread crumbs over the surface;
- send the broccoli casserole in the oven for 35-40 minutes.
In other interpretations of the preparation of this "family duet", leeks, carrots, bell peppers and spinach... And grated tomato is added to the sauce, but only without the skin. Sprigs of parsley and dill are used as decorations.
This delicate treat goes well with red fish. For example, you can cut trout, salmon or salmon fillets into cubes and present with a casserole. Moreover, this fish can be added to the dish itself.
Bonus points
It's worth noting that broccoli cheese casserole can include a variety of foods. Meat, fish, and some kind of cereal are perfectly combined with it. Of course, it is better to cook each of these ingredients separately, as they take longer than cabbage. Then they should be connected and sent to bake. Perhaps the time has come to announce this list. Thus, the broccoli casserole recipe should include:
- minced chicken or pork;
- whole / chopped tomatoes;
- mushrooms (champignons, honey mushrooms, but the porcini mushroom will generally taste like chicken);
- boiled rice with meat fillets;
- smoked brisket or thighs;
- pasta.
For all this, the cooking principle remains the same. Canned peas and beans can also diversify the flavor even more. In this case, the dish should be presented in an unusual way. With the help of special molds from the casserole, some carve funny figures: hearts, houses or animals. On a golden crust, they originally lay out bright greens with red flowers made from tomatoes and fruits.
Sour cream / mustard sauce is a good addition to broccoli casserole. But yogurt or sour mousse will be an excellent "companion" for such a meal.
Among other things, when buying broccoli cabbage, you need to pay attention to its appearance. The bright shade and elastic texture of the inflorescences indicate the high quality of the product. At the same time, a fetid odor should not come from it. Observing these minor reminders will help you prepare a healthy and delicious treat.