Broccoli and Rice Casserole (Out of this world)

I have loved this recipe, this is a great dish for putting something together for one of this busy week nights.  It's good for you, has no meat and can be used also as a side dish.  It is really tasty and to top it off it has an abundance of great flavors.  Here is the recipe and enjoy friends.

Ingredients

3 Heads of Broccoli
2 Carrots
1 Celery
1 Yellow Onion
4 Garlic Cloves
5 TBL Butter
3 Cups Rice (Cooked)
5 Cups Chicken Stock
1 Bay Leaf
1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley
Salt and Pepper
1 TBL Granulated Garlic
1 TBL Fresh Basil
1 Cup Panko
1/2 Cup Romano Cheese
1/4 Cup Flour
1/4 Cup Heavy Cream

Putting It Together

• First we want to cook the rice
• Place your three cups of rice in the sauce pan, rinse it off with water a couple of times
• Place 6 cups of water or chicken stock in with rice and add a bay leaf

• Place the rice on the stove top and turn the heat on medium high heat and let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until water or stock is gone
• When rice is done add 1 TBL butter and salt and pepper to taste.  Set aside
• Now we start to get the broccoli ready for the casserole

• Dice the broccoli up in any size you like
• Place it in a steamer and steam on medium heat for 5 minutes

• While this is steaming get an ice bowl ready

• Now lets dice up our veggies and get your large saute pan ready on medium heat 
• Add your butter to pan and let it melt

• Add your veggies to the pan with butter and allow this to cook for 10 minutes until it sweats

• The broccoli is probably done 
• Drain it and add it to your ice bath to stop the cooking

• Set aside
• Now that the veggies have cooked 
• Lets add your flour to create a thick base

•  Mix around to coat the veggies
• Add your seasonings to your liking 

• Now add your heavy cream and mix around it will create a paste like feel

• Add your chicken stock and allow this to cook on low for 5 minutes
• Add more seasonings if needed

• This rice is probably done
• Take it off the burner and lets start creating your casserole
• Turn your oven on to 375 degrees and add a baking sheet to the bottom shelf to keep drippings from falling to the bottom of the oven
• Grab a baking dish of any size
• Add your rice to the bottom (about 1/2 of the rice)

• Add your broccoli 
• Add your sauce mixture

• Add your other 1/2 of the rice

• Add your panko
• Add your cheese

• Place it in the oven for 30-35 minutes 
• When it is done add your chopped parsley

And eat it right away.  It's great as the main dish, side dish, party dish or whatever you want to use it for.  Have fun and I hope you enjoy this as much as we did.  Have fun.

Enjoy.......