Broccoli is a great source of fibre and vitamins, but many people dislike it because they don’t cook it properly – one chef has shared the secret to making it taste delicious
Broccoli is a top addition to any meal – boasting high fibre and vitamin content – but it’s often hated if not cooked correctly. Many home cooks go down the easy route of boiling their veggies, not realising that this method can leave broccoli tasting incredibly bitter and wafting an unpleasant odour around the whole kitchen.
Boiling broccoli is a sure-fire way to overcook it, leading to sulphur compounds breaking down and contributing to its undesirable taste and smell. Karen Tedesco, a professionally trained chef and the brains behind Familystyle Food, advocates for a tastier alternative – sautéing broccoli in a frying pan.
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Karen advises: “Master a simple technique and make this delicious sautéed broccoli with crisp-textured edges and a tender bite. It’s full of flavour, with plenty of olive oil, garlic and Parmesan cheese.”
While sautéing may sound daunting, it simply requires cooking the broccoli with a splash of olive oil and a few chosen flavour enhancers to elevate the taste.
Preparing broccoli in this manner enhances its texture, making it crispy and slightly caramelised – delivering a more appealing and enjoyable eating experience.
Not only does boiling leach out many nutrients into the water, leaving a flavourless, soggy residue, but it also means you’re missing out on the health benefits.
Investing just under 15 minutes to cook broccoli with care reaps rewards – rendering it more flavoursome, delightfully crispy, and retaining its nutritional value.
How to whip up tastier broccoli
You will need:
- A frying pan with a lid
- 450g of broccoli florets (one head of broccoli)
- 60ml (four tablespoons) of extra virgin olive oil
- One teaspoon of minced garlic
- Half a teaspoon of red chilli flakes
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- Grated Parmesan cheese (to serve)
- Lemon wedges (to serve)
Instructions
To start, chop the broccoli into evenly sized florets and trim off any tough ends, reports the Express. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat on the hob. Once the pan is sufficiently hot, add the broccoli, salt and olive oil.
Ensure the broccoli is arranged in a single layer without touching each other for optimal searing. Allow the broccoli to cook undisturbed for five to eight minutes until one side turns golden brown.
Stir the broccoli, then reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, chilli flakes, and pour in 60ml of water. Cover the frying pan and let it cook for an additional five minutes.
The broccoli should now be vibrant green and tender enough to pierce with a fork. Transfer it to a serving dish, garnish with lemon wedges and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Your perfectly crispy and flavourful broccoli is now ready to be served.