Sformato di Broccoli (Italian Broccoli Flan) Recipe Guide

Sformato di Broccoli is a classic Italian dish that is both comforting and elegant, perfect for a light meal or as a side. It’s a type of savory flan made with creamy blended broccoli, eggs, and cheese soft, flavorful, and rich. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and can be a great way to sneak some veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor. From my own personal experience, this dish has quickly become a family favorite, and let me show you how I make it.

Notes on What to Expect:

• The texture of Sformato di Broccoli is creamy and soft, almost like a soufflé. It will firm up as it cools, so be sure to let it rest before cutting.
• The flavor is rich and cheesy with a subtle broccoli undertone, making it a great option for both veggie lovers and those who aren’t fond of eating greens on their own.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to two days before serving.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories per Serving: ~250
• Cost of Ingredients: Affordable
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main or Side Dish

Equipment Needed:

• Large pot for boiling broccoli
• Skillet for sautéing
• Blender or food processor
• 9-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Spoon and spatula
• Aluminum foil
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Sformato di Broccoli   here.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli – 1 large head, chopped into florets
• Eggs – 4 large
• Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup, grated
• Mozzarella cheese – 1/2 cup, shredded (optional, for a richer flavor)
• Heavy cream – 1/2 cup
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Butter – 1 tablespoon (for greasing the baking dish)
• Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Nutmeg – A pinch (optional, but it adds a lovely depth)
• Salt and pepper – To taste
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  ##Sformato di Broccoli  here.

Method:

1. Prepare the Broccoli:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside. (You can reserve a little broccoli water to adjust the consistency later, but it’s optional).
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and translucent. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Blend the Ingredients:
   In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, eggs, Parmesan, mozzarella, heavy cream, nutmeg, and salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of the reserved broccoli water or a bit more cream to adjust the texture.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter the 9-inch baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Pour and Bake:
   Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the top is golden and slightly puffed.
6. Rest and Serve:
   Once done, remove the Sformato di Broccoli from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to cut.

Variations and Tips:

• Add-ins:
  • For a meatier version, you can add crumbled bacon or prosciutto to the mix for extra flavor.
  • If you want a more luxurious texture, add a little ricotta cheese or a spoonful of cream cheese for added richness.
• Vegetarian Substitutes:
  • You can easily make this dish vegetarian by simply using vegetable broth for sautéing the onions and garlic instead of butter or oil.
• Dairy-Free:
  • Substitute the cream and cheese with a dairy-free version, such as coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
• Cheese Alternatives:
  • If you prefer a sharper taste, swap the mozzarella with a strong cheese like Gruyère or fontina. For a lighter dish, opt for a reduced-fat cheese.
  • Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Sformato di Broccoli   here.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~250
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

I hope this guide has made making Sformato di Broccoli seem a little less daunting or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comment below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.