Thursday, August 20, 2009

Beauty Is In the Eye of the Eater

Look, I know this photo of Broccoli Marmite Pie is far from flattering:

But man, it sure was beautiful when it went into my mouth. Flaky puff pastry meets savory broccoli florets in a thick Marmite tomato gravy. Pure comfort food.

The pie wasn't done cooking until after sunset, so I had to use a flash for this shot. And as you can see, plating was also a challenge. I probably could have done a better job on presentation, but I was hungry. Check out that puffy, flaky crust:

You can find the recipe here at Cooking the Vegan Books. Unfortunately, the recipe doesn't have measurements or cooking times, so you kinda have to wing it. I used one bunch of broccoli, about 2 cups water, one tablespoon Marmite, 1/4 cup tomato puree, 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour, and most of a Pepperidge Farms puff pastry sheet. I baked it at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. For the rest of the directions though, check out Liz's blog.

On the side, I had a large salad with all kinds of goodness — romaine, radishes, carrots, tomato, marinated olives, pickles, raisins, and Amy's French Dressing.

20 comments:

Emily said...

mmm flaky crust. i don't even need a picture to know that was good! and i've never tried any of amy's dressings but they are popping up everywhere so i guess it's about time i did! whole foods?

The Voracious Vegan said...

Say the words flaky crust and I am there! Seriously, that looks awesome!

Anonymous said...

So glad you enjoyed it! My husband would eat it every day if he could. I'm so glad you included measurements. I've made it hundreds of times and never remembered to measure!

Mary said...

I've never had marmite. Is it sweet? That casserole looks awesome for winter.

Gina said...

I have also never tried Marmite, although it is not the first time I have heard mention of it this week! Whatever it is, it looks delicious :)

JohnP said...

So lovely! I am well on my way to making it hundreds of times!

Anonymous said...

Oohh flaky-crust goodness! Looks and sounds delicious to me, and as Monsieur Fish often says - I don't care what it looks like, it's all about taste!

Sheridan said...

Man, your blog is making me way hungry today. I miss you! And not just because you make amazing food...although that is a perk. ;) Ha!

Happy Older Hippie Woman! said...

Oh, I think the photo is very appealing, this is a keeper for me, and I hope to try it this weekend...casseroles are just so savory & comforting - one of my favorite types of dishes is the pastry casserole. I have one for a creamy Sherry sauce over mushrooms, small onions, and herbs.
Thanks again for another delight!

Lisa said...

I've been intending to try a pot pie dish with puff pastry topping and haven't yet. I think yours looks delicious!

Erin said...

I'm not into Marmite at all, but that certainly looks good enough! I didn't know that Amy's had a French dressing, I bet I would like it a lot. Thanks for the tip!

vegan.in.brighton said...

Oooh yum broccoli pie...I have to say I'd leave out the marmite though, I'm a hater!

Millie said...

I love broccolli. What a treat.

http://nuestracena-vegancuisine.blogspot.com

Heather said...

Sometimes the best dishes are the least photogenic. Regardless, broccoli and flaky crust - hello, delicious!

Mike K said...

It seems like the best tasting food doesn't always look so hot - this still looks like great comfort food. I've never tried marmite, only vegemite - I gather they're similar - whatever, this sounds delicious.

nora said...

It's okay, Bianca! I think we all know that the best dishes often look nasty. Like Indian food...

Anonymous said...

oh girl, you are just too amazing. you're making me want broccoli and gravy now!

Chelsea said...

I'm so curious about Marmite! I've only heard mention of it as the most disgusting thing on Earth, so now I'm really intrigued by your love of it!

jessy said...

i loooove marmite & we still have a bit in the pantry as well! mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! i think the broccoli marmite pie looks heavenly, Bianca! i'm gonna check out the recipe & see if i can take a try at it & make it gluten-free. you had me @ savory broccoli florets in a thick marmite tomato gravy. hellz yeah!

aTxVegn said...

Anything with broccoli in it is delicious in my opinion. It looks really great alongside that salad.