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.
