Vegetables
What is broccoli?
Broccoli is a green vegetable that belongs to the cruciferous family, which also includes cauliflower, kale, and cabbage. It is typically eaten cooked, but can also be eaten raw. It is known for its high levels of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and vitamin K. Additionally, broccoli contains compounds that may have health benefits such as reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease.
How do you cook broccoli?
There are many ways to cook broccoli, including steaming, boiling, roasting, grilling, and stir-frying. Some popular methods include:
- Steaming: Cut the broccoli into florets and steam for 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
- Boiling: Cut the broccoli into florets and boil for 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
- Roasting: Cut the broccoli into florets and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until tender and browned.
- Grilling: Cut the broccoli into florets and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
- Stir-frying: Cut the broccoli into florets and stir-fry in a hot pan with oil and your choice of seasonings for 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
It is important to not overcook broccoli, as it can become mushy and lose some of its nutrients.
What are some good dishes that use broccoli?
There are many delicious dishes that use broccoli as a main ingredient. Some popular examples include:
- Broccoli and cheese soup: A creamy soup made with broccoli, onion, and cheddar cheese.
- Broccoli stir-fry: A quick and easy dish made by stir-frying broccoli with your choice of protein (such as chicken, beef, or tofu) and seasonings.
- Broccoli and pasta: A simple dish that is made by tossing cooked pasta with sautéed broccoli and a flavorful sauce (such as olive oil and garlic or a creamy cheese sauce).
- Broccoli and cauliflower gratin: A comforting dish made by layering broccoli and cauliflower florets with a cheese and cream sauce, then baking in the oven.
- Broccoli and rice casserole: A hearty casserole made by mixing cooked rice with broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheese.
- Broccoli and chicken: A dish where broccoli is paired with chicken, usually made by sautéing or roasting broccoli and chicken together and seasoning it with herbs and spices.
- Broccoli rabe pizza: A pizza with broccoli rabe on top, usually paired with some kind of meat, cheese and tomato sauce.
- Broccoli and shrimp: A dish made by sautéing or roasting broccoli and shrimp together and seasoning it with herbs and spices.
These are just a few examples of dishes that use broccoli as a main ingredient, there are many more possibilities.
Selected Recipes
- Serve this Bacon-Wrapped Rosemary Chicken with Creamy Polenta and a side of Roasted Broccoli.
The options are endless for this combination of ingredients.
