Introduction to Broccoli and Feta Brownies
When I first stumbled upon the idea of broccoli and feta brownies, I was skeptical. Brownies are supposed to be rich, sweet, and indulgent, right? But trust me, once you dive into this unique recipe, you’ll see how perfectly these savory treats can fit into your healthy lifestyle. They’re a fantastic pick-me-up for those busy days. Plus, they’re an excellent way to sneak veggies into your family’s diet without any complaints. Whether you’re a working mom juggling schedules or a busy professional, these brownies might just become your new favorite kitchen hack!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli and Feta Brownies
You’ll adore these broccoli and feta brownies for so many reasons! They come together quickly, making them a perfect snack for those chaotic days. The delightful flavor combination is irresistible and surprising, ensuring you’ll want seconds. Plus, they pack in hidden nutrition, turning your afternoon indulgence into a wholesome moment. Picky eaters won’t even notice the veggies; it’s like magic, bringing joy and healthy goodness to your table!
Ingredients for Broccoli and Feta Brownies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these marvelous broccoli and feta brownies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a delightful crunch and loads of nutrients. You can also use frozen; just thaw and chop.
- Olive oil: Great for sautéing and adding moisture to the batter. It’s a healthy fat that complements the flavors beautifully.
- Scallions: These green beauties bring a mild onion flavor to the dish, enhancing its savoriness.
- Fresh dill: A touch of dill imparts a refreshing zing. Feel free to swap for other herbs like parsley or chives.
- All-purpose flour: The base of these brownies. You can substitute it with almond or gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
- Baking powder: This helps the brownies rise, ensuring a fluffy texture. Always check for freshness!
- Salt: A pinch elevates flavors and balances the savory elements.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness. You can use almond or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
- Eggs: These bind the mixture together while providing protein. For a vegan option, flax eggs work well!
- Feta cheese: The star ingredient! Its creamy, tangy profile complements the broccoli perfectly.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds a gooey texture that contrasts delightfully with the savory feta.
- Pecorino cheese: A sprinkle on top enhances flavor and gives a gorgeous crispy finish.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of this article. Happy cooking!
How to Make Broccoli and Feta Brownies
Making broccoli and feta brownies can be an adventure in your kitchen. Each step is essential for a delicious result. Let’s break it down, so you’ll feel like a pro while whipping up this unique treat!
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for ensuring even baking. While the oven warms up, lightly spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with olive oil. This prevents the brownies from sticking. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a beautiful brownie stuck to the pan!
Blanch the Broccoli
Next, we’ll blanch the broccoli. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your broccoli florets for just one minute. This quick cooking process brightens the color and enhances the flavor. Quickly remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to dry and cool. After they’re dry, give them a rough chop. Fresh, blanched broccoli provides a lovely texture in your brownies while keeping the taste vibrant.
Sauté the Scallions
Now, let’s add a punch of flavor. Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in the same pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced scallions and sauté them for about one minute. Sautéing releases their natural sweetness and adds depth. This little step is key to creating savory, standout brownies that people won’t be able to resist!
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, let’s tackle the dry ingredients! Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures each bite of your brownies is perfectly balanced. It’s what makes the brownies rise nicely without any weird lumps of flour hiding in there.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, it’s time to mix the wet ingredients. Combine the milk, beaten eggs, and ¼ cup of olive oil. Whisk them together until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and helps the brownies hold together beautifully. If you find the batter too runny at this point, don’t panic. Just add flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a good consistency!
Fold in the Fresh Ingredients
Now, let’s bring it all together by folding in the fresh ingredients. Gently add the chopped broccoli, sautéed scallions, dill, crumbled feta, and shredded mozzarella into the batter. Use a spatula to fold them in carefully. You want to keep the ingredients intact while mixing, so be kind to your batter!
Bake the Brownies
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with grated pecorino cheese and give it a light spray with olive oil. Bake these beauties in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This cooling time is vital for achieving the best texture. If you slice them too soon, they can crumble apart. After they cool, cut them into squares and get ready for some happy taste buds around your table!
Tips for Success
- Always measure your ingredients accurately for best results.
- Don’t skip the blanching step; it brightens and softens the broccoli.
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
- Experiment with herbs for different flavor profiles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for days.
Equipment Needed
- Baking dish: 11×7 inch is ideal, but a 9×9 inch will work too.
- Large mixing bowl: For combining ingredients; a whisk or spatula is helpful.
- Pot: To blanch the broccoli; any medium-sized one will do.
- Cutting board and knife: Essential for chopping veggies with ease.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements matter in baking!
Variations of Broccoli and Feta Brownies
- Cheese Lovers: Add a hint of goat cheese along with the feta for a tangy twist!
- Herb Preferences: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a fragrant kick!
- Spicy Spin: Mix in some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Vegan Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use non-dairy milk for a completely plant-based option.
- Nutty Goodness: Incorporate crushed walnuts or sunflower seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
- Light Salad: Pair your brownies with a fresh mixed greens salad for a balanced meal.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a tangy yogurt dip for an extra flavor punch.
- Refreshing Beverage: Complement with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing touch.
- Presentation: Cut into colorful squares and arrange on a wooden platter for a beautiful display.
FAQs about Broccoli and Feta Brownies
You might have a few questions about these intriguing broccoli and feta brownies, and that’s totally understandable! Here are some of the most common queries along with helpful answers to guide your culinary adventure.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works fine. Just remember to thaw and chop it before use. It will still lend wonderful flavor and nutrition to your brownies.
How long do broccoli and feta brownies last?
If stored in an airtight container, they can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Just reheat them when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can swap feta for cream cheese or ricotta for a different but delightful flavor profile.
Are these brownies suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! These brownies freeze well too. Just slice, wrap them individually, and pop them in the freezer for a quick snack later.
What’s the best way to serve them?
These brownies shine on their own, but serving them with a drizzle of yogurt or a side of mixed greens adds a refreshing touch. Enjoy exploring different serving options!
Final Thoughts
Embracing broccoli and feta brownies in your kitchen is like inviting a tasty adventure into your life. These little delights aren’t just wholesome; they hold a special kind of joy that transcends traditional expectations of dessert. Each bite offers a savory surprise that can spark joy in busy moments. Besides being a unique spin on a classic treat, they bring the whole family together around the table. With hidden veggies and wholesome ingredients, you can feel good serving these up. So, why not whip up a batch and share the happiness—your loved ones are sure to thank you!
Print
Broccoli and feta brownies: a delicious healthy treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A unique and healthy twist on brownies, featuring broccoli and feta cheese for a savory treat.
Ingredients
- 7 oz broccoli florets
- 1 tsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 4 scallions, diced
- 3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1¼ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour/gluten-free flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 tbsp grated pecorino cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 tsp salt. Add the broccoli florets and return to a boil for 1 minute. Remove the broccoli and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and dry. Give them a rough chop after drying.
- Drain the pot, wipe it clean, and heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced scallions for 1 minute, then set them aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and 1 tsp salt. Add the milk, eggs, and ¼ cup olive oil, mixing until the batter thickens. If the batter is too runny, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Fold in the chopped broccoli, sautéed scallions, chopped dill, crumbled feta, and shredded mozzarella into the batter.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with grated pecorino cheese and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use almond or gluten-free flour.
- Feel free to add more herbs for additional flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
