This was another one of those ideas I resisted for a long time because of less-than-favourable childhood memories.
And then when I started to focus on eating more veg. And prepping ahead. The oven was full one weekend so I decided to try boiling / steaming a few heads of broccoli.
I guess it didn’t hurt that the broccoli was from my favourite producer at the farmers market. But I couldn’t get enough of this simple green veg.
So vibrantly green. So fresh. So much flavour!
As you may have guessed from the proliferation of broccoli recipes on Stonesoup, it’s become one of my fave ingredients to have in the fridge. I hope it becomes one of your faves too!
The secret is only using a little water in the pot so you’re minimizing loss of water-soluble vitamins and making the process quicker.
And don’t forget the salt. It’s critical for balancing out the natural bitterness of broccoli AND keeping the colour vibrantly green.
Beautiful Boiled Broccoli
Ingredients
- 2 heads broccoli or more
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of salted water about 2cm (1in) deep to the boil. Meanwhile slice broccoli stems and cut florettes into bite sized trees.
- Add broccoli to the boiling water. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain and spread out on a plate or baking tray to allow to cool and let the steam escape.
Variations & Substitutions
pantry-friendly – frozen broccoli. Cook from frozen until broccoli is tender and hot.
different veg – all leafy greens, broccolini, asparagus, green beans, snow peas, sugar snap peas, cauliflower. Adjust cooking time as needed.
keto / ultra low carb – use washed baby spinach leaves instead.
Recipes to Use Your Broccoli
- One Pot Chicken & Broccoli with Peanut & Lime Sauce
- Smoked Trout & Broccoli Bowls with Sour Cream & Chives
- Broccoli & Basil ‘Meatzza’
- Broccoli & Bacon Bowls
- Broccoli Hummus
Prepare Ahead
Yes! Just cook as per the recipe. Will keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or can be frozen. Serve cold, at room temp or warmed in a little oil or butter.
Problem Solving Guide
bland – more salt! Next time buy broccoli from a better quality supplier.
browning – use more salt in the water. This is critical for keeping the colour green. If your water is hard (has a high mineral content) you might consider using distilled or bottled water to cook your veg.
too crunchy – next time steam for longer or cut into smaller pieces.
mushy – oh no. Overcooked broccoli – maybe turn it into some broccoli hummus or broccoli soup. Next time check earlier.
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Add to my Old Favourite Recipes
How much salt do you add to the inch of water Jules?
A big pinch – 1/2 teaspoon – it doesn’t have to be exact 🙂
On Broccoli Cacio e Pepe water drinking: i’m going to try this! it seems a lot like it would jive with MFK Fisher’s How to Cook a Wolf philosophy of using everything. Like maybe this would be a good start for the next soup ..
Also, extremely timely for me as I picked up a beautiful bunch of purple broccolini at the farmer’s market. Looking forward to trying it out, though we might go more carbonara with it. 🙂
Ooh I love MFK Fisher Jessica – lovely to be reminded of her.
And Carbonara is always a good idea 😉
cooked broccoli freezes well?
It’s Ok Georgiana.
The texture goes a bit more spongey. – Not the end of the world but not quite as nice as fresh.
But better than broccoli going bad in the fridge or (heaven forbid) no broccoli at all!
Jx
I just microwave it in a bowl with a plate for a lid. 30 seconds for the stems alone, add the florets and give it another 3 min 30. Perfect.
Thanks for reporting back Maarvarq!
Hi Jules,
Have you tried cooking broccoli in the oven with olive oil + herbs + salt and chili? This is by far the best way I found to enjoy it. Quick, easy and delicious.
Thanks for sharing all those nice recipes.
Cheers
Cristiano
Yes! I love roast broccoli too CK – but this boiling method wins for speed – 5 mins!
oh thank you
I’m always looking at the broccoli heads but had no idea how to cook them
now I’m on my way
lg birgit
Enjoy Birgit!
I love this broccoli so much.