Introduction
This Potato and Broccoli Bake is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect as a main course or a side dish, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 900 g (2 lb) potatoes
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) broccoli
- 50 g (2 oz) butter
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 50 g (2 oz) parmesan cheese, grated
- 50 g (2 oz) Emmental cheese or other cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Nutmeg, to taste
- Oil, for greasing
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes: Start by peeling and slicing the potatoes into thin rounds.
- Cook the Potatoes: Boil the sliced potatoes in salted water for about 8 minutes until they are partially cooked but still firm. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
- Boil the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into florets and boil them in salted water for about 7 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In a saucepan, melt the 50 g (2 oz) butter over low heat.
- Add the Flour: Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add the Milk: Gradually add 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, until the sauce thickens.
- Season the Sauce: Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
- Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with oil.
- First Layer: Place a layer of partially cooked potatoes at the bottom of the dish.
- Second Layer: Add a layer of boiled broccoli on top of the potatoes.
- Third Layer: Pour a portion of the creamy sauce over the broccoli.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
Step 5: Add Cheese
- Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle 50 g (2 oz) grated parmesan and 50 g (2 oz) grated Emmental cheese over the top layer of the dish.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Use waxy potatoes: Varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best for this recipe as they hold their shape well during cooking.
- Don’t overcook: Ensure the potatoes and broccoli are partially cooked but still firm to maintain their texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side salad: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp side salad.
- Add crusty bread: Serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
- Main course or side: Enjoy this bake as a satisfying main course for lunch or dinner, or serve it as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite protein.
Conclusion
Enjoy this Potato and Broccoli Bake with its perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and the satisfying textures of tender potatoes and broccoli. It’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Bon appétit!
