MAGIC BROCCOLI

MAGIC BROCCOLI

This is the best damn broccoli ever. 

I don’t usually litter my posts with profanities. But they’re just flowing out of me as I type up this post and I can’t seem to get a handle on it. So apologies in advance if you are offended!

This is hands down the best damn broccoli I have ever had in my life. I don’t take credit for it. It’s based on a Ina Garten recipe (aka Barefoot Contessa). Her recipe is jazzed up with pine nuts and basil leaves, neither of which I had in stock and frankly, I don’t intend to bother because this is so damn good as it is. And also pine nuts are really expensive!

Oh, also she says use 4 to 5 pounds (2 – 2.5kg) of broccoli which I think is way too much for an ordinary meal so I’ve cut this down to 1 giant head of broccoli or 2 medium heads to serve 4. This might seem like a lot but the broccoli shrinks a bit while roasting so I find that a very full tray is the perfect amount to serve 4 as a side or 2 as a main.

This is insanely simple to make but it's the best broccoli ever! Best eaten warm but also delicious at room temperature. I call it "Magic Broccoli" because it IS magic how a little roasting and a drizzle of lemon juice can transform broccoli!

Ingredients

• 2 medium heads of broccoli (see notes)
• 2 garlic cloves , finely sliced or finely chopped
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil , separated
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to your taste)
• Black pepper
• Zest of half a lemon
• 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180C/350F.
2. Cut broccoli into florets and piled onto baking tray.
3. Drizzle with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, scatter with garlic, salt and pepper. Use your fingers to toss, then spread out over tray in a single layer (or use tongs or massage in a large ziplock bag). Adjust salt to your taste.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the tips of the florets are slightly browned. The broccoli should be "tender crisp", meaning just cooked through, not overcooked and floppy.
5. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle over the lemon juice and remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Toss to combine. Scatter over lemon zest and parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

1. You need enough broccoli florets to fill a baking tray in a single layer. The broccoli shrinks while baking.

2. Reserve the stalks to use in stir fries or finely dice them and use in soups, fried rice, casseroles or even hide them in things like pasta sauces.

3. Please don't cut down on the oil. You simply won't get the caramelisation when roasting!

Original Recipes Visit Magic Broccoli @ recipetineats.com