Video courtesy of Appetizing.TV on Instagram
This recipe combines tender broccoli with a rich, cheesy coating, savory bacon, and a zesty tomato accent, all baked to golden perfection. The yogurt sauce adds a cool, tangy contrast that elevates the dish, making it both indulgent and refreshing.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Broccoli Dish:
• 1 head of broccoli (about 500g/1 lb)
• 150 g (5.3 oz) cheese (e.g., cheddar or a melty cheese blend), grated
• 2 large eggs
• 2 g (0.1 oz) salt (about ½ tsp)
• 1 g (0.04 oz) black pepper (about ¼ tsp)
• 2 g (0.1 oz) chili flakes (about ½ tsp)
• 3 g (0.1 oz) sweet paprika (about ¾ tsp)
• 50 g (1.8 oz) butter, melted
• 50 g (1.8 oz) tomato sauce
• 150 g (5.3 oz) mozzarella, grated or sliced
• 1 medium tomato, sliced
• 70 g (2.5 oz) bacon, chopped
• 2 g (0.1 oz) oregano (about ½ tsp)
For the Yogurt Sauce:
• 150 g (5.3 oz) plain yogurt
• 2 small cucumbers, finely diced or grated
• 7 g (0.2 oz) fresh dill, chopped (about 1 tbsp)
• 3 g (0.1 oz) fresh mint, chopped (about 1 tsp)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
• 15 ml (0.5 fl oz) olive oil (about 1 tbsp)
• 5 g (0.2 oz) garlic, minced (about 1 clove)
• 2 g (0.1 oz) salt (about ½ tsp)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Wash the broccoli and cut it into medium-sized florets. Trim the stem and peel it, then slice it into thin rounds or small chunks.
3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the broccoli florets and stem pieces for 2-3 minutes until bright green but still crisp. Drain and transfer to an ice bath or rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry with a towel.
Step 2: Make the Egg and Cheese Mixture
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, 150 g grated cheese, 2 g salt, 1 g black pepper, 2 g chili flakes, 3 g sweet paprika, and 50 g melted butter until well combined.
2. Add the blanched broccoli to the bowl and toss gently to coat the florets evenly with the egg and cheese mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
1. Grease a baking dish (about 9×9 inches or similar) with a little butter or oil.
2. Spread the broccoli mixture evenly in the baking dish.
3. Spoon 50 g tomato sauce over the broccoli in small dollops or a thin layer.
4. Arrange the sliced tomato and 70 g chopped bacon evenly over the top.
5. Sprinkle 150 g mozzarella cheese over the entire dish, followed by a pinch of oregano (2 g).
Step 4: Bake
1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots.
2. If desired, switch to the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes to get a crispy, golden top (watch closely to avoid burning).
Step 5: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
1. While the broccoli bakes, combine 150 g yogurt, diced or grated cucumbers, 7 g chopped dill, 3 g chopped mint, the juice of 1 lemon, 15 ml olive oil, 5 g minced garlic, and 2 g salt in a small bowl.
2. Stir until well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve
1. Remove the broccoli dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
2. Serve hot, with the refreshing yogurt sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
