Ingredients

• 800g Broccoli
• 6oz -170g butter
• ⅓ tsp Nutmeg
• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper
• Bicarb Soda (optional)

Steps

• Step 1

  Remove the woody ends of the broccoli heads and split into quarters.

• Step 2

  Add hot water to a saucepan and bring to the boil.  Add the broccoli pieces, ensure they are well covered with water and cook until tender. If you want your broccoli greener, add a couple pinches of bi carb of soda.

• Step 3

  Strain using a colander and with a potato masher try and squeeze out any excess water.

  Place a clean kitchen cloth towel on your bench and place the broccoli in the centre. Lift up each corner, twist and wring out the water. Note: You may need to use gloves if the water is very hot.

• Step 4

  Once all the water has been squeezed out, remove the broccoli and place in a blender.  This will also work in a food processor however the blender will render a smoother silky texture.

• Step 5

  Add salt and pepper to taste, some grated nutmeg.

• Step 6

  Melt the butter and pour directly on the broccoli in the blender.  Blend on high speed, you may need to use the pulse feature depending on your blender model.  If your blender cannot blend properly, heat up some cream and add to mixture a little at a time.

• Step 7

  Pour contents into oven proof serving dishes, drizzle a little cream and top with grated cheddar cheese.

• Step 8

  Bake in oven for 15-20 min at 350°F – 180°C or until cheese is golden brown.  Leave to cool 10 minutes before serving.

Little Tips

You can prepare these in advance, even the day before and simply bake in oven a little longer 30 minutes before serving.