Tender Broccoli Dish with Crunchy Croutons

This tender broccoli dish with crunchy croutons is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its creamy texture and rich taste, this dish is a fantastic way to enjoy your vegetables. Topped with homemade croutons, it adds a delightful crunch that will make each bite even more enjoyable.

Ingredients

For the Broccoli Dish:

  • Olive oil: for sautéing
  • Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
  • Onion: 1, chopped
  • Carrot: 1, chopped
  • Potatoes: 3, peeled and chopped
  • Broccoli: 1 head, chopped
  • Vegetable broth: 750 ml (3 cups) (or chicken broth)
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Cream: 200 ml (1 cup)
  • Parmesan cheese: grated, to taste
  • Parsley: chopped, for garnish

For the Croutons:

  • Bread: sliced
  • Olive oil: for drizzling
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Smoked paprika: to taste
  • Herbs of Provence: to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Croutons:

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Cut the sliced bread into small cubes.
  • Arrange the bread cubes on a baking sheet and lightly coat them with olive oil.
  • Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Herbs of Provence.
  • Toss the bread cubes to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
  • Place in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, baking until golden and crisp. Allow to cool before serving.

2. Prepare the Broccoli Dish:

  • In a large pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Add the chopped carrot and potatoes to the pot. Cook for a few minutes, stirring intermittently.
  • Add the chopped broccoli and vegetable broth (or chicken broth) to the pot.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Blend the mixture to a smooth, creamy consistency using an immersion blender. Alternatively, process in batches in a regular blender until smooth.
  • Mix in the cream and season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
  • Allow the mixture to heat through, then remove from heat.

3. Finish and Serve:

  • Ladle the broccoli dish into serving bowls.
  • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
  • Top with the homemade croutons for added crunch.

Conclusion

This tender broccoli dish with crunchy croutons is a perfect combination of creamy and crispy textures. The rich flavors of the vegetables and the homemade croutons make this a satisfying and nutritious meal. Enjoy this delightful dish as a main course or as a comforting side dish.