INGREDIENTS:

• 2 heads broccoli, halved
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 10 shiitake mushrooms, chopped
• 10 button mushrooms, chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 cup coconut milk
• ½ cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
• 1 ½ cups rice, cooked
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 °F degrees. Fit a large pot with a steamer basket over medium-high heat and bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Place the broccoli in the steamer basket and steam for 10 minutes. Remove the broccoli, roughly chop it, and set it aside.
2. In a large sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes, until the onion is slightly transparent. Add the shiitake and button mushrooms and cook until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Add the flour, thyme, and basil to the mushroom mixture, making sure to incorporate the flour fully. Whisk in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Add the steamed broccoli. Stir in the shredded fontina cheese until melted. Finally, fold in the cooked rice.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 18 minutes, until the cheese turns golden brown.

Here are some variations you can try for this recipe:

1. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake: Substitute the broccoli with cauliflower florets. Use a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheese instead of fontina for a rich and cheesy flavor.
2. Mushroom and Spinach Gratin: Skip the broccoli and add fresh spinach leaves to the mushroom mixture. Use a combination of Swiss and Gruyere cheese for a creamy and nutty flavor.
3. Vegan Broccoli and Mushroom Casserole: Replace the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Use vegan butter, coconut cream, and a dairy-free cheese substitute. You can also use vegetable oil instead of butter and nut-based cheese alternatives.
4. Add Protein: Add cooked diced chicken, turkey, or ham to make it a complete one-dish meal. Mix it in with the broccoli and mushroom mixture before baking.
5. Herb-Infused: Add fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the mushroom mixture for added flavor and freshness.
6. Spice it Up: Add a touch of heat by including diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the sautéed onion and garlic.
7. Grain Variations: Instead of rice, you can use other grains like quinoa, farro, or even couscous for a different texture and flavor profile.
8. Bread Crumb Topping: Before baking, top the casserole with a mixture of breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan for a crispy and golden topping.
9. Italian-Inspired: Add some diced sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and Italian seasoning to the mushroom mixture. Use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that classic Italian flavor.
10. Tex-Mex Twist: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans and a packet of taco seasoning to the mushroom mixture. Top the casserole with shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a Tex-Mex version.
11. Broccoli and Mushroom Alfredo: Create a creamy Alfredo sauce using butter, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix the sauce with the broccoli and mushroom mixture before baking.
12. Greek-Inspired Casserole: Add Kalamata olives, diced red bell peppers, and crumbled feta cheese to the mushroom mixture. Season with oregano and lemon zest for a Greek twist.