Broccoli often gets a bad rap for its taste, but the real culprit behind that bitterness is all in the cooking method. Boiling the green veg is a big no-no, as it amps up the sulphur compounds, leading to an overcooked, soggy mess. Not only does this method leave you with a less-than-tasty side dish, but it also saps away some of the health benefits.
However, Jamie Vespa, culinary expert and brains behind Dishing Out Health, has let us in on the secret to perfect broccoli – and it’s all about sautéing, not boiling. Jamie explains: “Unlike boiling, which can cause some of the more heat-sensitive nutrients, like vitamin C, to leach out, sautéing helps vegetables retain some of their more delicate nutrients.”
She continues: “Perfect sautéed broccoli comes together in just 15 minutes and will become your go-to way of preparing it. Never dried out, perfectly tender, and lightly charred, this broccoli will win over even the pickiest of eaters.”
It’s simple – start by chopping the broccoli head into evenly sized florets. You can throw in the stems too if you fancy, though they’re a tad tougher than the florets.
Then, heat two tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is sizzling before adding the broccoli.
Toss it in too early, and it’ll soak up the oil, leaving you with a limp, greasy result, reports the Express.
Fry the broccoli in oil for a couple of minutes, giving it a good stir, then pop a lid on and let it cook for another six minutes.
Broccoli only needs about eight minutes to cook through and get a nice bit of char for added texture. Be careful not to burn it though, as that can lead to a bitter taste.
Once it’s done, season to your liking. Salt and pepper are the go-to options, but why not try a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parmesan for an extra flavour kick?
The lemon juice enhances the natural sweetness of roasted broccoli and adds a tangy twist, making it even more enjoyable.
Remove the broccoli from the pan, and voila. You’ve got yourself a scrumptious side dish cooked to perfection in under 15 minutes.
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