A couple of years ago we were vacationing in Cabo and the place we were staying at served a simple dish of steamed broccoli peppered in Parmesan cheese. It got to be a joke that we would order it sometimes several times a day for an appetizer, side dish or late night snack. It was unsophisticated, but really tasty and satisfying. It was also gentle on our digestive systems unlike some of the more spicier meals we were ingesting!
I do believe that when you have quality produce, sometimes the less you fuss with it, the better. Aside from the fact that the closer you leave your produce to its natural state, the healthier it is – it also allows for its true flavor to stand out. That’s what drew me to this broccoli recipe.
I am a fan of roasting vegetables as it brings out the best in them. There are techniques you can use to make them even better as in this recipe. It calls for you to heat your sheet pan in a 500° oven before you place the broccoli on it. The key to getting the most caramelization on the broccoli is to cut it with a flat side so that it can come in direct contact with the pan. Coating it with some olive oil and minced garlic adds another dimension of flavor. Since you have preheated the oven and the pan, the broccoli cooks quickly in about 10-12 minutes! So easy to make right before serving your meal without any fuss at all.
A nice dusting of Parmesan cheese and a squirt of lemon put the finishing touch. It’s simple, super yummy and healthy too!
Roasted Broccoli with Garlic
Serves 4
- 2 large broccoli crowns
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Adjust oven rack to lowest position, place large rimmed baking sheet on rack, and heat oven to 500 degrees.
- Cut the broccoli into segments. You want them to be on the large side, about the length of the palm of your hand. Also, cut them so that there is a flat side on most pieces–just slice right through that broccoli crown (instead of separating off individual florets). You want flat sides for the caramelization to happen.
- Add broccoli to a large bowl. Stir minced garlic into the olive oil and drizzle it over the broccoli. Sprinkle with sugar, salt and pepper and mix together until coated on all sides.
- Working quickly, remove baking sheet from oven. Carefully transfer broccoli to baking sheet and spread into even layer, placing flat sides down. Return baking sheet to oven and roast until broccoli is well browned and tender, 9 to 11 minutes. Transfer to serving dish and serve immediately with lemon wedges and Parmesan cheese.
(click here) for printable recipe