To some, broccoli will always be that vegetable that causes children to go into hiding, but many adults are reformed broccoli eaters. In fact, broccoli's popularity is at an all-time high and growing, perhaps due to its new designation as a super food. And indeed it is.
As a part of the cabbage family, broccoli is related closely to cabbage, kale, cauliflower, collards and Brussels sprouts, which are all cruciferous vegetables. High in vitamins C, K, A, fiber and many other nutrients, broccoli is also high in sulforaphane, which has been proven to have serious anti-cancer effects. All in all, broccoli is one of the healthiest things you can eat.
In addition it is easy to prepare. You can lightly boil it or steam it. When sauteed with a little olive oil or sunflower oil, it has been shown to lose almost no nutrients, unlike when sauteed with other oils. Cook it in the microwave with a little water in the bottom of the bowl, covered with plastic wrap just until tender, or simply drizzle with oil, salt and pepper to taste and bake in a 350 degree oven for a delicious roasted taste.
Sometimes however, a fancier side dish is called for, whether for a special dinner party, holidays, for the family, or just to treat yourself, and that's where these recipes come in. The broccoli soufle and casserole are rich and creamy, but still deliver the broccoli goods.
Broccoli Souffle Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp melted butter
- 1 Tbsp flour
- 3 eggs
- ½ pint cream
- ½ tsp salt
Directions
- Cook broccoli until barely tender. Do not overcook. Set aside.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, butter, 1 Tbsp flour and beat in well.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, cream, and salt, and mix well.
- Fold in broccoli.
- Bake at 350 degrees in a buttered casserole dish for 30 minutes or until firm.
Broccoli Cassrole
Ingredients
- 4 oz. Cream cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup sherry
- 1 pkg. frozen broccoli spears
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 hard-cooked eggs, cut in quarters
- 1 can pimientos, cut in pieces
- ½ cup cracker crumbs
Directions
- Cook the broccoli in water with the salt added until just tender. Drain well.
- Melt cream cheese in milk over low heat, stirring often. Add sherry.
- In a square, 8-inch baking dish, add ½ the cream cheese sauce. Place the broccoli spears in the sauce and the egg pieces in between the broccoli spears. Top with pimento pieces, add remaining sauce, and sprinkle bread crumbs on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Serving suggestions: Make ahead of time and refrigerate. Cook it 30 minutes prior to serving. Goes particularly well with baked ham.
Christopher T. Reilly - Hello. I have been a professional writer for 25 years with experience that encompasses articles, essays, websites, Internet content, stage ...
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