Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Bake

Broccoli

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is an edible green plant in the cabbage family (family Brassicaceae, genus Brassica) whose large flowering head, stalk, and small associated leaves are eaten as a vegetable. Broccoli is classified in the Italica cultivar group of the species Brassica oleracea. Broccoli has large flower heads, or florets, usually dark green, arranged in a tree-like structure branching out from a thick stalk, which is usually light green. The mass of flower heads is surrounded by leaves. Broccoli resembles cauliflower, which is a different but closely related cultivar group of the same Brassica species.

How we eat broccoli

It can be eaten either raw or cooked. Broccoli is a particularly rich source of vitamin C and vitamin K. Contents of its characteristic sulfur-containing glucosinolate compounds, isothiocyanate, and sulforaphane, are diminished by boiling but are better preserved by steaming, microwaving, or stir-frying.

Rapini, sometimes called “broccoli rabe”, is a distinct species from broccoli, forming similar but smaller heads, and is actually a type of turnip (Brassica rapa). (Wikipedia)

Ingredients

5 cups broccoli florets

5 cups cauliflower florets

2 tablespoons butter

2 leeks, white and green parts only, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup white wine (use less if it is cooking wine)

1 cup milk

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

2 cups gouda cheese, grated

Directions

To make this Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Bake, preheat the broiler on low. Cook broccoli and cauliflower in a pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 5 to 6 minutes, and drain. Transfer to a 2-quart baking dish. Toss the 2 cheeses together in a separate bowl. Melt butter, add the leeks and garlic; cook until lightly browned about 3 minutes, stirring often. Add the wine cooking an additional minute. Increase the heat to medium; stir in milk. Bring to a boil while stirring. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in 2 cups of cheese. Pour the mixture over the vegetables and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over top. Broil until cheese is melted. Enjoy!

Also, try: Herb-Roasted Chicken recipe