Ingredients:
– 8 broccoli, chopped
– 8 slices of quality, nitrate-free ham
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or a preferred cheese blend)
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Blanch the broccoli leaves in boiling water for about 30 seconds until they become pliable. Immediately shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process, then pat the leaves dry with paper towels.
2. Gently spread ham slice on a clean surface and layer chopped broccoli on top, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush a bit of the mustard mixture onto the cheese.
5. Carefully roll each ham slice into a tight roll.
6. Secure each rollup with a toothpick and arrange on a baking sheet.Top with more cheese if desired.
7. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and bake the rollups for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow the rollups to cool slightly before serving.
Variations & Tips:
– For a different flavor profile, try substituting the cheddar with Swiss, Gouda, or mozzarella.
– If you’re not avoiding carbs, these can also be made using low-carb tortillas instead of broccoli leaves.
– Add herbs such as chives, parsley, or dill to the cheese for an additional layer of flavor.
– To make this recipe vegetarian, swap the ham for a few slices of grilled zucchini or eggplant.
– If broccoli leaves are unavailable, cabbage leaves can be an excellent substitute.
– Always ensure that your ham is thinly sliced; thick slices will be difficult to roll and may not adhere well to the other ingredients.
