Some observers say Broccoli is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. Others still insist it’s virtually inedible. But supporters are flocking to the veggie’s cause with new and useful tips and hacks designed to make broccoli more enticing…
Even picky kids will eat broccoli if you top it with cheese!
Many of complaints Broccoli haters will be glad to share with you involve its flavour and texture. There are tried and true fixes or those ‘issues’, but most folks don’t use them. I think that’s simply because most home cooks aren’t aware of them…
Blanch at the thought
Top chef Nathan Molina, kitchen boss at Genesee Valley Store, says proper trimming is the first step in properly blanching any ‘tough’ veggie. Use only he florets
“The florets are quickly blanched in boiling water that is as salty as the sea for about 1 minute,” Molina told Simply Recipes contributor . “They are then immediately removed and shocked in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.”
After that, they should be drained and set aside. You can ‘finish’ cooking by whatever method you wish – steaming, roasting, grilling or whatever – immediately. Or refrigerate in a tightly closed con-tainer for several days until needed.
Once blanched, broccoli is tenderized and it’s ultra-umami flavour is tamed.
Dressing the diva
Salt and pepper are essential to rounding out and optimizing Broccoli’s flavour, Molina says. A squeeze of lemon juice is also recommended.
After that, you can try a variety of spice blends ans other flavourings to make your broccoli Asian, Indian or even classic European…
Secret’s in the sauce!
Real Broccoli aficionados insist that all you need after steaming and seasoning is a drizzle of butter and a shower of freshly grated Nutmeg (not too much!) to complement broccoli’s earthy goodness.
But real broccoli devotées insist you serve it with a nippy Sharp Cheddar Cheese Sauce piqued with a good pinch of ground mustard.
Another great way to go is ‘nutty and subtle’, with a rich Swiss Cheese sauce featuring a good pinch of the aforesaid Nutmeg.
My take
Remember Scoot and Joey? They were two adorable kids who starred in a series of commercials back in the day, flogging Kraft Cheese. Specifically, Velveeta brand, which Joey’s mom famously always melted to top broccoli. The unspoken message was, even picky kids will eat broccoli if you top it with cheese!
My experience has been that the minimalist treatment – butter and nutmeg – is the bet way to enjoy broccoli’s own right, earthy flavour. However you choose to ‘dress’ it, do at least try to re-engage the broccoli haters in your house with this wonderful, ultimately enjoyable veggie!
~ Maggie J.