Broccoli can divide opinion, but it can actually be delicious if you prepare it properly. Chef Cathy Roma, founder of What Should I Make For..., has revealed a simple method that transforms bitter, soggy broccoli into a crispy, flavourful side dish.
Stop Boiling, Start Roasting
Instead of boiling broccoli in water, Cathy recommends roasting it in olive oil. "If you've never roasted broccoli before, you're in for a treat," she explained. "It's a great way to get the family to enjoy their veggies."
Boiling broccoli washes away its natural nutty flavour and water-soluble vitamins, leaving you with a bland, less nutritious vegetable. It also causes the release of bitter sulfur compounds.
The Benefits of Roasting
Roasting with olive oil allows the vegetable's natural sugars to caramelise, creating a crispy texture whilst preserving nutrients. The method is also hands-free, requiring less effort than standing over a stove.
The recipe involves coating broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, lemon zest, chilli flakes and salt, then roasting at 250C for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
Transform Your Broccoli
According to Cathy, this simple change can turn broccoli from the most hated vegetable on your plate into a brilliant side dish. Follow the method to enjoy a tastier, healthier version of this often-maligned vegetable.
