Looking for a deliciously creamy and satisfying dish that’s both vegan and gluten-free? Look no further than this Vegan Broccoli Gratin! This mouthwatering recipe combines tender broccoli florets with a rich, cashew-based sauce that’s bursting with flavor, topped off with a crispy gluten-free breadcrumb layer. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this gratin is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients. Get ready to elevate your vegetable game and discover a new family favorite that everyone will love!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a medium-sized baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or coconut oil spray.
- Drain the cashews that have been soaking and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, minced garlic cloves, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating a rich sauce consistency.
- Wash the broccoli florets and pat them dry. Chop them into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange the broccoli florets evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a single layer.
- Pour the cashew cream sauce evenly over the broccoli, ensuring all florets are well-coated.
- Sprinkle gluten-free breadcrumbs over the top of the sauce-covered broccoli to create a crispy topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Soak Your Cashews: For the creamiest sauce, soak your cashews in water for at least 2 hours before blending. This helps to soften them and makes blending easier.
- Customize Your Veggies: While broccoli is a star in this dish, feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for added color and nutrition.
- Blend Smoothly: Ensure your cashew cream is blended until completely smooth to achieve a velvety texture that coats the broccoli perfectly.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the gratin while it bakes; the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Look for a golden brown top and tender broccoli.
- Garnish for Flavor: After baking, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to enhance the dish’s flavor and presentation.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the gratin in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
- Serve with a Side: Pair this gratin with a fresh salad or some crusty gluten-free bread for a complete meal that’s sure to please.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
