Why make green bean casserole when you can make this fresh, delicious broccolini and mushroom casserole instead? It's not hard, is much tastier, and more festive looking.
2 1/2 T. olive oil, divided
12 oz. white mushrooms, wiped clean and thickly sliced
1/2 c. finely chopped shallots or onion
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 t. chopped fresh thyme
1/4 c. dry white wine
1 1/2 T. all-purpose flour
2 c. whole milk
1/2 c. heavy cream
1 c. finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 lb. broccolini, trimmed, blanched for 30 seconds**
1/2 c Panko- Japanese dried breadcrumbs
Preheat broiler.
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 T. oil and mushrooms; saute about 6 minutes, or until mushrooms are golden and tender. Add shallots, garlic and thyme; saute about 3 minutes, or until shallots begin to soften. Add wine; simmer about 20 seconds, or until it evaporates. Sprinkle the flour over mushrooms; stir to blend. Stir in milk and cream; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium; simmer gently, stirring, about 3 minutes, or until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese; remove from heat.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss broccolini into the hot mushroom mixture. Transfer mixture to a 9 x 9 inch baking or oval gratin dish.
In a medium bowl, mix Panko, remaining 3/4 cup cheese, and remaining 1 T. oil, tossing well; sprinkle mixture over the top of the casserole.
Broil, uncovered, watching closely, 2 - 3 minutes, or until bread crumb mixture is golden brown.
Make-Ahead:
The panko mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead of time, covered and refrigerated. The broccolini can be blanched up to 1 day ahead of time, drained, covered, and refrigerated.
**Blanching:
Cook broccolini, in boiling salted water for just a few minutes, or until its color brightens, then plung it into ice water to stop the cooking process. It is absolutely necessary in this recipe to form the delicious creamy sauce! if the broccolini is not blanched first, the sauce will curdle, so don’t skip this step!!
6 servings