Hummus Charred Broccoli

This is one of my all-time favourite ways to cook broccoli. By getting the pan super hot and using the lid to trap the steam, the broccoli chars on the bottom and steams on the top, giving a really lovely texture and complex flavour.

serves 2

2 heads broccoli
8 tablespoons hummus
large handful roasted cashews or almonds

1. Heat a large frying pan on a very high heat. Chop your broccoli into mini trees.

2. Add a few tablespoons olive oil to the pan and add broccoli immediately. Cover and cook for 2 minutes.

3. Stir broccoli, recover and cook for another 2 minutes or until how you like it.

4. Smear hummus over the base of two plates. Top with hot broccoli and scatter over the cashews.

prepare ahead?

I happily eat this broccoli cold so it’s fine to prepare ahead.

variations for dietary requirements & fun

carnivore – For a more substantial meal. brown some ground beef until really well cooked. Season and sprinkle over the broccoli.

nut-free – Just skip the nuts or replace with chopped hard boiled egg.

home made hummus – Whizz 1 can chickpeas with 3 tablespoons lemon juice, tahini, canning liquid and 1 clove garlic in a food processor until smooth.

more substantial – serve with fresh pita bread.

troubleshooting guide

too bland – Season with salt & pepper and lemon juice.

too dry – drizzle over a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Or use more hummus.

broccoli burning – Add a few tablespoons of water to the pan to prevent burning and increase the steam. Make sure you are covering the broccoli as best you can.

broccoli too crunchy – This method does tend to give more al dente broccoli. If you prefer it more tender, just cook for longer. A little extra water can help as well. Or use frozen broccoli which naturally less crunchy because of the freezing process.

serving suggestions

Great on its own. Or with some well browned ground (minced) beef.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Add to my Old Favourite Recipes