Sformato di Broccoli: A Delicious Italian Recipe

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 210 calories per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: About $10 (prices may vary)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Appetizer or Side Dish
• Equipment Needed: Mixing bowl, saucepan, whisk, baking dish, oven

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Sformato di Broccoli  here 

Ingredients

• For the Broccoli Mixture:
  • 1 pound broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Custard:
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (or other cheese of choice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for texture)

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Sformato di Broccoli  here 

Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
   • In a saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.
   • Drain the broccoli and plunge it into cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, chop it into small pieces.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until well combined. Add the grated cheese, nutmeg, and sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Stir in the chopped broccoli.
   • Add breadcrumbs to the mixture for added texture. Mix everything until just combined.
5. Bake the Sformato:
   • Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let It Stand:
   • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the sformato set and makes it easier to slice.

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Sformato di Broccoli  here 

Variations

• Cheese Substitutes: If you want a different flavor, try using goat cheese, ricotta, or a mix of cheeses.
• Add-Ins: Consider adding cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or omit them altogether.

Tips and Substitutions

• Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese options for a delicious alternative.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Sformato di Broccoli  here 

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 200mg

Troubleshooting Tips

• Too Watery: If the mixture seems too watery before baking, try adding a little more breadcrumbs or letting it sit for a few minutes before baking.
• Burning: If the top is browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil until the middle sets.