Thursday, May 24, 2012

Roasted Broccoli

Need more fiber in your diet?  Looking for an easy, nutrient-rich side to go with anything from fancy steak to burgers?Try roasted broccoli.

Unlike our former president, I love broccoli.  It was one of my favorite sides as a child:  a box of frozen broccoli, boiled and tossed with a little butter or vinegar (yep, you heard me right ... vinegar).

You know the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"?  Well, my boiled broccoli wasn't broken.  But Mr. Wendy encourages me to try something new now and then, and so one day I decided to try roasting the broccoli (I'd just discovered the wonder of roasted cauliflower, so it was a natural progression). 

Result?  Yum.

I still like my boiled broccoli dressed with vinegar, but this roasted broccoli has joined our rotation.  It's easy, fast, delicious, and elegant enough to serve to company.

Lovely Broccoli

And you should really work as much broccoli into your diet as you can.  According to a variety of Internet sources, a single cup of broccoli has 3 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, more than a full day's supply of vitamin C, and a mere 31 calories.  Come on ... you can't beat those stats.  So break out your roasting pan and enjoy!

Broccoli tossed with oil and seasoning
Roasted Broccoli a la Wendy

1 head broccoli, trimmed and stalks cut lengthwise into spears
2 Tbs. olive oil
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. (or a pinch) crushed red pepper flakes

Preheat oven to 425.

Toss all ingredients together, spread on a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan, and bake for 8 - 10 minutes.

Yep, it's that simple.

6 comments:

  1. Thanks, Wendy! I have a bunch of broccoli right now, so your timing is perfect! Guess what I'm trying for lunch?

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  2. My husband is addicted to broccoli--maybe he was broccoli-deprived as a child. I'll have to wave this recipe in front of him.

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  3. My sister is a broccoli fanatic so she'll be glad to see this too. Lucy

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  4. YUM! I love any veggie when it's roasted! Thank you!!

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  5. I'm personally going to experiment with a little sesame oil because the texture reminds me of really good Chinese-American fare.

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  6. Now why didn't I ever think of this? I love roasted veggies! Thanks, Wendy. I have broccoli in the fridge right now.

    ~ Krista

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