Cheesy Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole with Rye Crumb Topping

I'm not sure why, but I always feel really accomplished when I can serve an entire, satisfying meal without any meat. Don't get me wrong, I love my steak and chicken as much as the next carnivore, but I like to prove to myself that it's not imperative to a good meal.



I found this in my Cuisine at Home magazine, a magazine I've come to love. It's a casserole full of veggies, cheese, rice and the wonderful flavors of rye bread. It's a unique, but healthy and delicious casserole that will not leave you wishing for a burger. My husband isn't a huge fan of caraway, so I will probably leave it out next time, but I will make this again. It would work as a main dish, or a lovely side dish for guests or a potluck. I do love to see my family eat their veggies!



Cheese Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole with Rye Crumb Topping
By Cuisine at Home December 2010

Ingredients

For The Casserole:
3 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cauliflower florets
2 cups cooked white rice

For The Crumb Topping:
1 1/2 cups fresh seeded rye bread crumbs
2 TB unsalted butter, melted
salt and pepper

For The Sauce:
3 TB unsalted butter
2 TB minced shallots
1 TB caraway seeds
2 TB all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups milk
1 TB Dijon mustard
2/3 cups smoked Gouda
2/3 cup shredded Emmental (I used Cheddar) cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. Blanch broccoli and cauliflower in a pot of boiling salted water, 3 minutes. Drain and immediately shock in ice water; set aside.

3. Combine crumbs with melted butter in a bowl until coated, then season with salt and pepper.

4. Melt 3 TB butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and caraway seeds; cook until seeds are toasted, 3 minutes.

5. Whisk in flour, coating shallots; cook 1 minute. Whisk in milk and Dijon, cooking until sauce slightly thickens, 8 minutes (do not boil). Add Gouda, stir until melted. Add Emmental or Cheddar; stir until melted. Add Emmental; stir until melted. Season sauce with salt and pepper.

6. Stir broccoli, cauliflower, and rice into sauce. Transfer mixture to a 2 quart baking dish.

7. Sprinkle crumb topping over casserole, and bake casserole until bubbly, about 35 minutes. Let casserole rest 10 minutes before serving.

Per Serving: 283 cal, 15g fat, 28g carb, 3g fiber

Serves 8

My kids got new aprons for Christmas. After several attempts, this is hilariously the best picture we could get.