Broccoli has a reputation for being a bitter vegetable that many people do not like, but a health coach has shared it only tastes horrible as people are cooking it incorrectly
Broccoli might get a bad rap from fussy eaters for its taste, but health coach and culinary whiz Elizabeth Rider reckons that’s because we’re all cooking it wrong. She’s spilled the beans on why boiling the green veg is a no-go, as it turns it mushy, bland, and strips away vital nutrients.
Elizabeth explained: “Sure, it’s super easy. But it often produces soggy, limp florets. And the longer it is cooked submerged in boiling water, the more nutrients it will lose.”
Not only does boiling broccoli sap it of its natural sugars, flavours, and nutrients, leaving you with a less tasty and healthy side dish, but it also ruins its texture.
The secret to unlocking broccoli’s delicious potential?
READ MORE: UK supermarket own brands beating big labels with Heinz and Lurpak snubbed
Give it a good roasting. This method not only enhances its natural sweetness but also gives it a delightful crunch, reports the Express.
Elizabeth enthused: “Roasting broccoli is one of my favourite ways to prepare it! It always has so much flavour. And it makes a great side dish and can also be used warm or cold in salads.”
Plus, roasting helps retain those precious vitamins, making your broccoli both more scrumptious and nutritious.
Whether you’re using an oven or air fryer, adding a dash of lemon juice can take your roasted broccoli to the next level.
Elizabeth advised: “Jazz up your roasted broccoli with a squeeze of lemon juice.”
The natural sugars in lemon juice not only tenderise and caramelise broccoli for a superior texture, but they also enhance the flavours for a zestier and fresher taste.
Here’s how to cook broccoli properly to make it tastier and healthier.
Firstly, give your broccoli a good wash and dry, then chop it into florets. If you’re using an oven, get it preheated to 220C.
Next, line a tray with baking paper and pop the broccoli on there. Ensure the florets are laid out in a single layer and aren’t overcrowding the tray.
Drizzle the broccoli with a tablespoon of extra virgin oil, a teaspoon of lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. For an extra kick, add some chopped garlic or powdered garlic granules.
If you’re using an oven, roast the broccoli for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s nice and crunchy. If you’re using an air fryer, cook at 200C for 10 to 12 minutes.
Once the broccoli is cooked, you’ll have a much more appetising and mouthwatering side dish to tuck into.