From bustling farmers' markets to the frozen food aisle of your local grocery store, broccoli is one of the most widely available and versatile vegetables on the planet. Always in season somewhere around the world, this cruciferous vegetable provides a nutritional punch that is unmatched. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, broccoli is an ingredient that deserves a place in your kitchen and a frequent spot on your dinner table. This article explores the art of cooking broccoli, providing a comprehensive guide to ensure you prepare it perfectly every time, allowing you to enjoy this delicious and nutritious vegetable in all its glory.
Let's cook with our recipes!
SIMPLE BOILED BROCCOLI
Brighten up basic boiled broccoli with lemon wedges.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 10m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Wash the broccoli in cold water and pat dry. Peel the stem and trim right where the florets branch off. Break apart the florets.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook, uncovered, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes depending on the size of the florets. Drain into a colander, transfer to a plate, sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve with lemon wedges.
QUICK CHEESY BROCCOLI (& MORE RECIPES!)
This quick broccoli and cheese recipe is everything cozy, cheesy, and warm: in less than 10 minutes! It's the ideal easy side dish.
Provided by Sonja Overhiser
Categories Side Dish
Time 8m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Chop the broccoli into medium sized florets (leave a good amount of the stem for a nice shape; see the photo or How to Cut Broccoli).
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat it on medium high heat. Add broccoli and salt. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until starting to brown, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the broccoli, followed by the cheddar cheese. Add 1/4 cup water to the bottom of the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook another 1 minute until cheese is melted and the water cooks out. Serve immediately!
QUICK AND EASY GARLIC BROCCOLI WITH PARMESAN
This recipe for garlic broccoli has even the vegetable haters asking for more! It's perfect for those nights when all you have time for is the microwave.
Provided by Colleen Marie
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Broccoli
Time 10m
Yield 3
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place broccoli in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high until defrosted, 3 to 4 minutes; they should be defrosted but not cooked all the way.
- Add 1/4 cup Parmesan and garlic, stir, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and stir.
- Serve with extra Parmesan sprinkled over top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 59.3 calories, Carbohydrate 6 g, Cholesterol 5.9 mg, Fat 2.2 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 5.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 129 mg, Sugar 1.6 g
Tips for Cooking Broccoli:
- Choose the right broccoli: Look for broccoli with tightly closed florets and a deep green color. Avoid broccoli with yellowing or wilted florets.
- Wash broccoli thoroughly: Rinse broccoli under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. You can also soak broccoli in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes to remove any lingering pesticides.
- Cut broccoli into uniform pieces: Cut broccoli into florets of about 1-2 inches in size. This will help them cook evenly.
- Blanch broccoli: Blanching broccoli is a quick way to cook it while preserving its nutrients and color. To blanch broccoli, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender. Immediately remove the broccoli from the boiling water and plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Steam broccoli: Steaming broccoli is another gentle cooking method that preserves its nutrients and flavor. To steam broccoli, place it in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover the pot and steam the broccoli for 5-7 minutes, or until it is tender. You can also steam broccoli in the microwave. Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water. Cover the bowl and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Roast broccoli: Roasting broccoli is a great way to bring out its natural sweetness. To roast broccoli, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until it is tender and slightly charred.
- Sauté broccoli: Sautéing broccoli is a quick and easy way to cook it. To sauté broccoli, heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender. You can also add other vegetables, such as onions, garlic, or bell peppers, to the sauté.
Conclusion:
Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Whether you blanch it, steam it, roast it, or sauté it, broccoli is a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. With its high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, broccoli is a great choice for a healthy diet.
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