Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale

This Creamy Baked Broccoli with Tomatoes and Kale is a comforting and delicious dinner for the whole family. Easy and quick dinner. I make this casserole every weekend for my loved ones! With fresh ingredients like cauliflower, broccoli, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes combined with a creamy sauce and cheese, this dish is perfect for any meal. Let’s get started!

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 45 mins

• Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 large broccoli, cut into florets
• Olive oil, for drizzling and sautéing
• A handful of baby kale
• 1 small onion, diced
• 7 small cloves of garlic, minced
• 12 small tomatoes (cherry or grape tomatoes preferred), halved
• A knob of butter
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 150 ml (2/3 cup) cream
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 150 grams (1 1/2 cups) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:

Prepare the Broccoli

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Wash and cut the broccoli into florets.
3. Place the florets in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.

Saute the Vegetables

1. In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until it releases its aroma.

Add Tomatoes and Kale

1. Add the halved tomatoes and baby kale to the skillet.
2. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and the kale wilts slightly.

Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Push the vegetables to the sides of the skillet and add the knob of butter to the center.
2. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter and stir to form a roux.
3. Gradually pour in the cream, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
4. Season with salt and thyme.

Combine and Bake

1. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce.
2. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and distribute it evenly across the surface.
3. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

Bake to Perfection

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Serve

1. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and nutritious dish as a main course or side.