A delicious and ultra-simple side dish, this baked Romanesco broccoli flan. Call it Romanesco broccoli flan or Romanesco broccoli pie—whatever you prefer. I know it is much loved at home, so despite the simplicity of the recipe and the photos I decided to publish it.
How good and beautiful is Romanesco broccoli? For me, who absolutely loves photographing vegetables, I can say I find it very photogenic.
Every time I buy it I’m amazed by the beauty of its fluorescent-green little pyramids. Beautiful, delicious, cooks quickly, has a very delicate flavor and, like all cruciferous vegetables, besides its many properties it contains the well-known sulforaphane.
So shall we prepare this delicious baked Romanesco broccoli flan?
Below I also list other recipes with Romanesco broccoli that might interest you:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking time: 40 Minutes
- Portions: 4 servings
- Cooking methods: Steaming, Oven
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
Ingredients for Baked Romanesco Broccoli Flan
- 1 Romanesco broccoli
- 7 oz robiola (goat cheese) (goat)
- 1.8 oz Parmigiano Reggiano PDO
- 1 tbsp aromatic herbs
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon (zest)
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 pinch ground red pepper
- 3 tbsp breadcrumbs
Tools
- 1 Steamer
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Grater
How to prepare the Baked Romanesco Broccoli Flan
Remove the green leaves from the Romanesco broccoli (do not throw them away—you can make a sauce with them). Detach the florets and, if they are large, divide them. Wash everything very well.
Place in the steamer and cook for 10–15 minutes (depending on the freshness of the vegetable) until tender but not falling apart. Transfer to a bowl.
In the bowl with the broccoli add the whipped robiola, the aromatic herbs, the grated lemon zest, a pinch of salt, the red pepper and the grated Parmesan. Gently mix.
Oil the baking dish, pour in the broccoli mixture, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and bake for 20 minutes until nicely golden.
Storage tips
The baked Romanesco flan keeps in the refrigerator, well covered, for a couple of days.
Variations
Of course you can make this dish vegan by using a crumbled vegan feta instead of robiola and perhaps flavoring with turmeric or other spices.
FAQ (Questions & Answers)
Can I use another type of cheese for the Romanesco flan?
Sure, try smoked provola or ricotta.
Can I add béchamel to the baked Romanesco flan?
Yes, you can alternate béchamel with the broccoli; in that case I would leave out the robiola and add only a little Parmesan.
