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Who doesn't know that broccoli is an exceptionally healthy vegetable. It is prescribed for everyone from weight-watchers to muscle-builders. Some doctors opine that it holds the promise to prevent the accumulation of carcinogens in our body. Its soothing emerald hue easily puts in shade its Cinderella cousin cauliflower. At times we wonder how we in India have lived without it! Well, the problem is that the subtle flavour of this till-recently exotic vegetable is an "acquired taste" and the delicate darling doesn't endure well the assault on its beauty mounted by er…our beloved garam and other masala. Nor can it retain the bloom after the scorching ordeal by fire — even when gifted the protective batter shield — in a tandoor. Consuming it blanched and buttered tends to become boring very soon. Variety is the spice of life and the "baked broccoli" we bring to our readers accomplishes this sans the dreaded spices.
Method: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Keep aside a 9x13-inch baking dish after lightly greasing it. Bring a large pot of water to boil, add broccoli and boil for 3-5 minutes, until it is “done” to taste but retains a bite. It should be soft enough for a fork to pierce through. Drain the broccoli and rinse immediately with very cold water. Put a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter, then add the onion and mushrooms if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release liquid and all moisture has evaporated. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Melt the remaining butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the flour and stir until the mixture is lightly browned and exudes a nutty aroma. Slowly stir in the milk, whisking constantly until all of the milk is used. Cook for two to three minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken. Add one-third of the grated cheese and stir until completely melted. Remove from flame and stir in the reserved onions and mushrooms, then stir in the salt and pepper. Now place the broccoli in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with another one-third of the shredded cheese. Pour the sauce over the broccoli, then 'top' with the remaining third of the grated cheese. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling, 15 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it settle for 10 minutes before serving.
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