Sformato di Broccoli
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.
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Mixing bowl, saucepan, whisk, baking dish, oven
- 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
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.