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September 20, 2024
Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination that is both nutritious and delicious. This simple and quick recipe can be made easily on the stove, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a side dish for a larger meal.
To start, gather your ingredients. You will need fresh broccoli, cheese (cheddar or any other melting cheese of your choice), butter, flour, milk, salt, and pepper. The broccoli should be cut into small florets and the cheese should be grated.
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the broccoli. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for a minute or two, stirring constantly, until it becomes golden in color.
Note: A roux is a mixture of equal parts fat and flour, used to thicken sauces and soups.
Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and add the grated cheese, stirring until it melts and becomes smooth.
Finally, add the cooked broccoli to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the broccoli evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the dish to cook for another minute or two until the broccoli is heated through and the flavours have melded together.
Your broccoli and cheese is now ready to serve! It can be enjoyed as a side dish, or you can serve it over rice or pasta for a more substantial meal. You can also sprinkle some extra grated cheese on top for an added touch of indulgence. Enjoy!
Preparation of Broccoli
Before cooking broccoli, it is important to wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. Fill a sink or large bowl with cold water and place the broccoli florets in it. Gently agitate the florets with your hands to loosen any dirt. Remove the florets from the water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Next, trim off the tough outer skin of the broccoli stalk using a knife or a vegetable peeler. Once the outer skin is removed, slice the stalk into thin, bite-sized pieces. Set the florets and sliced stalk aside.
If desired, you can blanch the broccoli before cooking it on the stove. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the broccoli florets and sliced stalk. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 1 pound |
| Broccoli stalk | 1 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
Washing and Cutting
Before cooking broccoli and cheese on the stove, it’s important to wash and cut the broccoli properly. Here are the steps:
1. Wash the Broccoli
Start by rinsing the broccoli under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Make sure to remove any rubber bands or ties that may be holding the bunch together. Pat the broccoli dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
2. Cut the Broccoli
Next, place the broccoli on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut off the thick stem at the bottom. You can also peel off the tough outer layer of the stem if desired. Separate the broccoli florets from the stem, making sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
If you prefer smaller florets, you can break them apart by hand or use a knife to cut them down to your desired size. Remember to discard any tough or discolored pieces.
Once you’ve washed and cut the broccoli, it’s ready to be cooked on the stove with cheese for a delicious and nutritious dish.
Blanching the Broccoli
To start cooking broccoli and cheese on the stove, you need to blanch the broccoli first. Blanching helps to retain the vibrant green color of the broccoli while cooking it partially. Follow the steps below to blanch the broccoli:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- While the water is heating, wash the broccoli and cut it into florets.
- Once the water is boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water.
- Carefully lower the broccoli florets into the boiling water using a slotted spoon or tongs.
- Boil the broccoli for approximately 2-3 minutes until it becomes bright green and slightly tender.
- Using the slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the blanched broccoli to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Let the broccoli sit in the ice water for a couple of minutes to cool down completely.
- Drain the broccoli well and pat it dry using a kitchen towel or paper towels.
Once you have blanched the broccoli, it is ready to be cooked further with cheese to make a delicious and cheesy broccoli dish on the stove.
Cheese Sauce
To make a delicious cheese sauce to accompany your broccoli, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to combine with the roux. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and thickens.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Your cheese sauce is now ready to be poured over your cooked broccoli. It adds a creamy and savory element to the dish, enhancing the flavor of the broccoli with its rich and cheesy goodness.
Gathering Ingredients
Before you start cooking broccoli and cheese on the stove, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- Broccoli: 1 head of fresh broccoli or a bag of frozen broccoli florets.
- Cheese: 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or any other type of melting cheese you prefer.
- Milk: 1/4 cup of milk.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Flour: 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
- Salt and pepper: to taste.
Having all the ingredients ready will help you cook the dish more efficiently and ensure that you have everything you need to make the broccoli and cheese delicious.
Making the Roux
To make the perfect cheese sauce for your broccoli, you’ll need to start by making a roux. A roux is a simple mixture of equal parts fat and flour that serves as a thickening agent in many sauces and gravies.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the flour to the pan.
- Stir the mixture continuously with a whisk until it forms a smooth paste.
- Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly.
- Continue cooking until the roux turns a light golden brown color.
At this point, your roux is ready to be used in your broccoli and cheese sauce recipe. It will help thicken the sauce and give it a rich, velvety texture. You can now move on to the next step of adding the cheese and seasoning to your sauce.
Adding Cheese and Seasonings
After your broccoli has cooked to your desired tenderness, it’s time to add the cheese and seasonings. Here’s how:
-
Grate the Cheese
Start by grating your preferred type of cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both work well for broccoli and cheese. Grating the cheese will help it melt more evenly over the broccoli.
-
Sprinkle the Cheese
Evenly sprinkle the grated cheese over the cooked broccoli. The amount of cheese is subjective and depends on personal preference. If you like a gooey and cheesy broccoli, you can use a generous amount of cheese.
-
Add Seasonings
To enhance the flavor, you can add some seasonings to the broccoli and cheese. Popular choices include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
-
Cover and Let It Melt
Cover the pan with a lid or a sheet of aluminum foil to trap the heat and melt the cheese. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese has fully melted and coats the broccoli.
Once the cheese has melted, your delicious broccoli and cheese is ready to be served!
Cooking Broccoli and Cheese
Broccoli and cheese is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be easily prepared on the stove. It makes for a great side dish or a meal on its own. Here is a simple recipe to help you make this tasty dish at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of broccoli
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon of butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Start by washing the broccoli head under cold water. Then, cut it into florets, discarding the tough stalk.
2. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
3. Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as it can become mushy.
4. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.
5. In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss it in the melted butter to coat evenly.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the broccoli.
8. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the cheese to melt for about 2-3 minutes, or until it is gooey and melted.
9. Remove the skillet from the heat and season the broccoli and cheese with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve the broccoli and cheese hot as a side dish or enjoy it as a main meal!
This simple recipe will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy the cheesy goodness of broccoli and cheese made right on your stove!
Q&A
What ingredients do I need to cook broccoli and cheese on the stove?
To cook broccoli and cheese on the stove, you will need the following ingredients: 1 head of broccoli, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella), salt and pepper to taste.
How do I prepare the broccoli for cooking?
To prepare the broccoli for cooking, start by washing it thoroughly under running water. Cut off the florets from the stem and discard the tough parts. You can further cut the florets into smaller pieces if desired.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use a different type of cheese for your broccoli and cheese on the stove. Cheddar and mozzarella are common choices, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Gouda or Swiss to add different flavors to your dish.
Is it possible to make this dish without dairy?
Yes, it is possible to make a dairy-free version of broccoli and cheese on the stove. Instead of butter and milk, you can use dairy-free alternatives like margarine and almond milk. For the cheese, there are dairy-free options available, such as vegan cheese or nutritional yeast, which can provide a cheesy flavor.