Apicius’ Souffle’ Di Broccoli (Broccoli Souffle)

🥦🍽️ Apicius’ Souffle’ Di Broccoli (Broccoli Souffle) 🥦🍽️

What is it?
Apicius’ Souffle’ Di Broccoli is a delicious and classic broccoli souffle dish. It’s a savory dish made with broccoli florets, eggs, cheese, and various seasonings. The result is a fluffy and flavorful souffle with a delightful broccoli twist.

History:
The dish’s name pays homage to Apicius, a Roman gourmet and cookbook author who lived during the 1st century AD. While broccoli souffles weren’t explicitly documented in ancient Roman cuisine, the concept of souffles and the use of vegetables in cooking were prevalent during that era. Over time, this culinary tradition evolved into various regional dishes, including broccoli souffle.

Components:

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grated cheese (typically cheddar or gruyere)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a bit of heat)
• Cooking spray (for greasing the souffle dish)

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven.

2. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green. Drain them and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

3. Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color, creating a roux.

4. Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens. Season with salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Remove from heat.

5. Beat Eggs and Cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Gradually whisk in the grated cheese.

6. Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture into the hot roux, stirring continuously. This will create a smooth and cheesy base for your souffle.

7. Fold in Broccoli: Gently fold the blanched broccoli florets into the cheese mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

8. Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased souffle dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the souffle has puffed up and is golden brown on top.

9. Serve: Serve immediately while it’s hot and puffy. The souffle will begin to deflate as it cools, but it’s just as delicious!

Time Needed:

• Preparation: Approximately 20-30 minutes
• Baking: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes

Enjoy your Apicius’ Souffle’ Di Broccoli! It’s a delightful dish with a rich history and a perfect blend of flavors. 🥦😋🍴