Golden Broccoli Gratin

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and olive oil are combined with panko, the coarsely ground Japanese bread crumbs, to form a crisp, golden brown topping for this broccoli gratin.

The only thing I would suggest is that you sautee the onions first until translucent and then proceed to make the cream sauce in the same pan.  In that case, chop the onions instead of slicing them. Add the bay leaf once the cream is made.



Ingredients:

Kosher salt, to taste

2 lb. broccoli

2 Tbs. unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1/2 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 bay leaf

1 cup grated Gruyère cheese

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

1 cup panko

1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

2 Tbs. olive oil

Directions:

Preheat an oven to 350ºF.

Bring a large saucepan of well salted water to a boil over high heat. Cut the heads from the broccoli stalks and cut the heads into small florets. Peel the stalks and thinly slice. Add the broccoli to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Transfer the broccoli to a bowl filled with ice water, then drain well.

In a 10-inch fry pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir until well incorporated and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, add the onion and bay leaf and simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 8 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf and add the Gruyère, stirring until the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper. Carefully fold in the broccoli and spread in an even layer.

In a small bowl, stir together the panko, Parmigiano-Reggiano and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the panko mixture over the broccoli mixture. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the gratin is golden and bubbly, 40 to 45 minutes. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving. Serves 4 to 6.


Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Family Meals, by Maria Helm Sinskey (Oxmoor House, 2008).