Broccoli Puff

Broccoli Puff Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Broccoli Puff is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of broccoli, rice, and cheese in a fluffy and satisfying casserole. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, as it is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

History

The origins of Broccoli Puff are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. This dish became popular as a way to incorporate nutritious broccoli into a tasty and filling casserole that could be served as a side dish or a main course.

Ingredients

0.5 cup chopped onion
1 tbsp butter or margarine
1 10 oz (283 g) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well-drained
2 cup cooked rice
1 10-0.75 oz (21 g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
0.25 tsp ground thyme
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
4 eggs, separated
2 cup (8 oz (227 g)) shredded cheddar cheese

How to prepare

In a small skillet, cook the onion in butter until tender.
Combine the cooked onion with broccoli, rice, soup, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce in a greased shallow 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish.
Bake the mixture at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, beat the egg yolks until thick and lemon-colored, then add the cheese.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then fold in the egg yolk mixture.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir the mixture.
Spread the egg mixture over the top and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or ham for a protein boost.
Use different types of cheese, such as Swiss or Gouda, for a unique flavor profile.
Substitute brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the broccoli well before using it in the recipe to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

- Beating the egg whites until soft peaks form will help the egg mixture to be light and fluffy when baked.

- Feel free to add in additional seasonings or herbs to customize the flavor of the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Broccoli Puff can be served as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled fish. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, sautéing, and mixing are the main cooking techniques used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

Margarine can be substituted with butter or olive oil.

- Cream of mushroom soup can be replaced with cream of chicken or cream of broccoli soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Broccoli Puff can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and bake when needed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Broccoli Puff in a decorative casserole dish and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Broccoli Puff with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Broccoli Puff can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Broccoli Puff contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Broccoli Puff contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Broccoli Puff contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Broccoli Puff contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Broccoli Puff is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Broccoli Puff is a nutritious and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Broccoli Puff is a comforting and flavorful casserole that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and cheesy topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was in an old cookbook I found at a yard sale many years ago. The title of the recipe was "Broccoli Puff" and the picture next to it looked absolutely delicious. I had never made anything like it before, but I was eager to give it a try.

I brought the cookbook home and flipped through the pages, searching for the ingredients and instructions for the Broccoli Puff. As I read through the recipe, I realized that it was actually quite simple to make. All I needed was some fresh broccoli, eggs, cheese, and a few other basic ingredients that I already had in my pantry.

I decided to make the Broccoli Puff for dinner that night. I carefully followed the directions, chopping the broccoli into small florets and steaming them until they were tender. I mixed the broccoli with the eggs, cheese, and seasonings, then poured the mixture into a baking dish and popped it into the oven.

As the Broccoli Puff baked, my kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma. The cheesy, eggy smell wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. When the timer finally went off, I pulled the dish out of the oven and marveled at the golden-brown crust that had formed on top.

I couldn't wait to dig in. I scooped out a generous portion of the Broccoli Puff onto my plate and took a bite. It was even better than I had imagined. The broccoli was tender and flavorful, the cheese melted and gooey, and the eggs light and fluffy. It was a perfect combination of flavors and textures that left me wanting more.

From that moment on, the Broccoli Puff became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family dinners, potlucks, and even special occasions. It was always a hit, with everyone asking for the recipe.

Over the years, I tinkered with the original recipe, adding new ingredients and tweaking the proportions to suit my taste. I tried different cheeses, herbs, and spices, each time creating a new and unique variation of the classic Broccoli Puff.

One day, I was visiting my friend Martha, who was known for her amazing cooking skills. I decided to bring along a batch of my Broccoli Puff to share with her. As we sat down to eat, Martha took a bite and her eyes lit up.

"This is incredible!" she exclaimed. "You have to show me how to make this."

I gladly shared the recipe with Martha, explaining each step and ingredient in detail. She was impressed by how easy it was to make and couldn't wait to try it out in her own kitchen.

A few weeks later, Martha invited me over for dinner. When I arrived, she proudly presented her version of the Broccoli Puff. It was slightly different from mine, with a hint of garlic and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top. But it was just as delicious, if not more so.

Martha beamed with pride as we sat down to eat, savoring every bite of the Broccoli Puff. We talked and laughed, enjoying each other's company and the amazing dish that we had both come to love.

As I left Martha's house that night, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasure of sharing a recipe with a friend. The Broccoli Puff had brought us closer together, creating a bond that transcended food and cooking.

To this day, whenever I make the Broccoli Puff, I think of Martha and the joy that comes from sharing a homemade meal with someone you care about. It's a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And so, the recipe for Broccoli Puff continues to hold a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious taste, but for the connections and friendships it has helped to foster. It's a reminder that the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal can bring so much joy and meaning to our lives.