Broccoli Greens Au Gratin

Did you know you can eat the leaves of the broccoli plant?

We figured it out when we started growing broccoli microgreens. I mean you can eat the whole plant as a baby, why not as a mature plant? (With some things this isn't always the case, but we try them anyways!)

They actually sell more so than the broccoli heads themselves.

And you'll never see them in stores!!

These greens are super tasty!...And HUGE!!

They taste just like broccoli...but like the greens part...it's weird...you'll understand what I'm saying when you try them.

You can eat them raw, like my 5 year old does which is so funny because one leaf is the same size as she is!!

We love them as salad wraps. They are sturdy enough to make a little taco out of!

But this Thanksgiving I was challenged (sort to say) to bring vegetables to the table.

No one eats vegetables at Thanksgiving!! What in the world??

So I had to come up with something and since they were coming from the farm, whatever I came up with had to knock some socks off!! (Also plant based friendly as I can't have any dairy...challenge accepted!)

I had a big pile of broccoli greens just lying around and had been digging this homemade mozzarella sauce I had made...so I thought...why not put them together??

Greens and cheese go well right??

So right!!!

My family members at Thanksgiving said to me "Whatever that is over there...it's DELICIOUS and I'm having more! What is that??!!"

Score!!! I impressed them with my unusual farm fresh veggies!!

Not only is this dish AMAZING, but it's also super healthy and I know that's the first thing you're concerned with while eating holiday meals...health!!

So let me tell you...

Broccoli is said to be almost a cure all for all the things. If I had to pick the most nutrient dense food, this would definitely be one of the top 5 for sure...anticancer, anti-inflammatory, great for digestion, etc. The list goes on!

The cashews also provide a good bit of protein so you could even have this dish as your main course!

And you don't have to eat it just for the holidays! It's amazing as a winter meal. It's savory, warm, and cozy and definitely hygge approved!!

And super easy to make!!

First you wash and chop all your broccoli greens...you don't want to dry them. The moisture helps with the cooking process.

Then you'll want to mix everything in a bowl.

Finally, add all the mixed ingredients to an 8x8 baking dish, top with the mozzarella cheese sauce and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Then serve warm!

This is the PERFECT holiday dish!! Check out this post on how to eat more veggies during the holidays to stay healthy!!

Come out to the farm stand on Wednesdays from 3-6pm to get some broccoli greens and make this dish for yourself. Once you do I would LOVE to hear how you like it!! You can share pics with me on Facebook or Instagram or leave a comment below. Can't wait to hear your thoughts!!

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