Description
A zesty and smoky upgrade to classic broccoli and cheese, this recipe infuses a creamy cheddar sauce with harissa paste and bright lemon zest for a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon harissa paste
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for garnish or roasting)
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp, or roast them at 400°F (200°C) with olive oil and seasoning for 15-20 minutes until slightly charred. Do not overcook.
- Make Roux Base: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the raw flour smell disappears and the mixture is pale and nutty.
- Form Béchamel: Gradually whisk in the warm milk, adding a little at a time to prevent lumps. Continue stirring constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens and begins to simmer gently, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Flavor: Reduce heat to low. Add the grated cheddar cheese, harissa paste, and lemon zest. Stir constantly until the cheese fully melts into a smooth, uniformly colored sauce. (Tip: If sauce separates, whisk in a tablespoon of warm milk to re-emulsify).
- Season and Taste: Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed to achieve a vibrant flavor profile.
- Prepare Garnish Oil: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon harissa paste with 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling.
- Serve Immediately: Place the cooked broccoli florets on a serving platter and generously spoon the hot harissa cheese sauce over top. Finish with a drizzle of harissa-infused oil and a sprinkle of extra lemon zest.
Notes
To avoid a grainy sauce, ensure you use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that can interfere with melting. Reheat leftover sauce over low heat, whisking in a small amount of milk to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: North African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: broccoli, cheese sauce, harissa, side dish, vegetarian, weeknight dinner, quick recipe, easy side