Monday, April 27, 2009

Broccoli and Tomato Casserole

I hate the word casserole. It implies some sort of mushy baked concoction usually containing one or more cans of condensed soup, some sort of bland meat, and absolutely no personality. But every once in a while you try something that surprises you. May I present to you my Mom's broccoli and tomato casserole. A summertime delight that you'll have to work a little bit for, but trust me...you won't mind one bit once you taste it.




Ingredients:

3 cups of broccoli florets
3 large tomatoes ( sliced)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1.5 cups whole milk
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 teaspoon oregano
a light sprinkle of garlic salt
pepper
salt

Start by melting butter in a saucepan and adding in the flour. Stir for about 30 seconds until all of the flour is incorporated. In a microwaveable bowl, heat the milk until warm. Add half the milk slowly to a second bowl containing 2 beaten eggs. You're actually tempering the eggs. Add the other half into the saucepan with the butter and the flour, and whisk thoroughly. Now slowly add in the egg mixture and whisk until thickened. Next add in half of your cheese and 3/4 of the oregano. Stir until combined, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour the sauce over an oven safe pan containing a mixed layer of broccoli florets and thick slices of tomato. Top with the remaining cheese, and sprinkle with garlic salt and a small pinch of dried oregano. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until slightly brown on top.

6 comments:

Cat said...

This is one of my favorite dishes! Thanks for providing the recipe, cuz!

Leslie said...

You're welcome! Hopefully Mom won't mind my sharing all of the family's secrets. lol

Midlo Mom said...

This is one of my faves too! And by the way, I love casseroles! You get to cook before your guests arrive. My mother-in-law taught me that, and she was queen of entertaining, regularly having huge crowds for lunch and dinner!

Kathy said...

Just a correction...this is your Aunt Connie's recipe and it is delicious! I wish I could take the credit for this!

Leslie said...

Great recipe Connie, but I must say, I'll always think of my mom when I make this one! Now I can think of you too!

Constance said...

I made this the other night, and I hadn't in a long time. .a lovely side dish with a garlic and herb roasted chicken. . . surely cooking is one of the great creative endeavors on Earth, don't we think?!