Broccoli fresh from the garden or farmer's market should be soaked in salted water for a while so any insects come out and float on top. Remove any discoloured parts and the woody part of the stem.
Really fresh broccoli is good eaten just raw, or with a dip.
You can cook the entire broccoli or cut it into stems and flowerets, or into flowerets leaving the stems on. Just don't leave it in the hot water too long so it gets really soft. I usually put the washed broccoli in cold salted water, bring the water to a boil,and turn the heat down to low and cover the pot for the broccoli to get tender. Or use a steamer over a pot of boiling water.
For every day, drizzle with a little melted butter or oil and sprinkle on salt.
For company, sprinkle with parmesan cheese or buttered crumbs or both, or drizzle with white or cheese sauce.
Broccoli with Garlic
Makes 8 side servings, about 55 calories each.
- 4 medium bunches broccolini (8 oz each), ends trimmed OR 2 medium bunches broccoli, stems peeled and sliced, flowerets separated into 1-1/2 inch pieces.
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp olive oil
- dried chilli pepper flakes (optional)
- In deep 12-inch skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat.
- Add broccolini or broccoli and salt.
- Cook 4 minutes, tossing vegetables to coat well.
- Add garlic and remaining 1 tsp oil.
- Cook 1 minute longer, stirring.
- Add 3 Tbsp water.
- Cook broccoli 2 minutes longer or until tender-crisp.
- Sprinkle on a little dried chilli pepper flakes if you like heat.
Broccoli with Lemon Dressing
If the broccoli is really fresh, eat it raw as a salad with this dressing. Prep the salad ahead of time if it's easier and let the broccoli marinate in the dressing in the fridge; add raw cauliflower and shaved carrots if you want. Or steam the broccoli, heat the blended dressing in the microwave and drizzle the dressing on top to serve hot. Make the dressing ahead of time in a blender or whisk together and pour into a jar, and shake it up a little again before using.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp mild paprika or pepper
Blend all ingredients, let stand until using.
