Broccoli, Rice & Cheese Casserole

Blogging Marathon# 38: Week 2/ Day 3
Theme: Gourmet Rice Dishes 
Dish: Broccoli Rice & Cheese Casserole

Today's rice dish is a kid friendly dish that my 18 month old really enjoyed a lot. She loves broccoli and cheese, so this was a perfect dish for her to enjoy.

When my husband's away traveling and when I have to cook for just me and the little one, I look for dishes that are both easy to make and kid friendly. Rice is cooked along with broccoli and cheese, then baked off in the oven to get the crispy crust.

I adapted the recipe from 'Cook's Illustrated'. I used Jasmine rice, but any long grain rice can be used. I added a handful of green peas to the casserole because my daughter loves them too, but I think other veggies like peppers or zucchini can also be added to make this dish more wholesome and filling.

Ingredients: Serves 2~3
Long grain Rice - 1cup
Broccoli - 4cups, cut into florets
Green Peas - ½cup
Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
Green onions - 3, both white & green parts chopped
Garlic - 2cloves, finely minced
Red pepper flakes - ½tsp (optional)
Cayenne - ½tsp
Milk - 1cup (I used 2% milk)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese - 1cup, grated
Parmesan Cheese - 3tbsp
Bread - 2slices (I used this bread)
Dried Thyme - ½tsp
Salt - to taste

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9" baking pan.
• Blend the bread slices along with 2tbsp parmesan cheese, dried thyme and 2tbsp melted butter. Set aside until ready to use.
• Microwave broccoli with litte water until crisp tender, about 3 minutes. Make sure not to overcook the broccoli. Set aside.
• Microwave green peas or boil until tender.
• Heat 2tbsp butter in a heavy bottomed pan; add red pepper flakes, onion, green onions and garlic cloves and cook till the onions are translucent. 
• Next add the rice and saute for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Add salt, 1 cup milk and 2cups of water or stock. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and cook covered for 15~20 minutes or until rice is cooked through.
• Turn off the heat and stir in Cheddar cheese, parmesan, cayenne, broccoli and green peas. Pour into the prepared baking pan top with the bread mixture.
• Bake until the bread crumbs are golden and the rice is bubbling, about 15 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Lets check out what my fellow marathoners have cooked today for BM# 38.