Smashed Broccoli

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below! YIELDS:4 – 6 serving(s)PREP TIME:5 minsTOTAL TIME:15 mins SMASHED BROCCOLI

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below! YIELDS:4 – 6 serving(s)PREP TIME:5 minsTOTAL TIME:15 mins 500 Delicious Diabetic Recipes E-book

What Is Smashed Broccoli?

Smashed broccoli uses a similar cooking method as smashed potatoes, smashed beets, smashed carrots, smashed Brussels sprouts and smashed radishes. With this method, vegetables are first par-cooked, then smashed and roasted or broiled until crispy. For this recipe, broccoli florets are steamed until tender, smashed with the bottom of a mason jar or a sturdy glass and broiled until browned.

How to Steam Broccoli

Before broiling the smashed broccoli florets, you will need to steam them first. This can be done in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket. Steamer baskets come in a variety of sizes and materials. You can choose from stainless steel, ceramic, bamboo or silicone. Just make sure the pot is slightly larger in diameter than the basket so that you can easily remove the basket after steaming. You can also steam broccoli in the microwave. Place 4 cups of broccoli florets in a large microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and cook on High, stirring once, until the broccoli is tender, about 3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining 4 cups of broccoli.

Ingredients

• 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
• Kosher salt
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for frying
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• 1 c. grated Parmesan
• Crushed red pepper, for serving
• Flaky sea salt, for serving

Directions

SAVE TO MY RECIPES

1. Step 1Prepare a large ice bath. In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch broccoli until bright green and just tender, about 2 minutes. Drain broccoli then immediately transfer to ice bath. Drain broccoli again and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Step 2On a large cutting board or clean working surface, use the back of a mason jar (or small glass), to smash broccoli. (Don’t press down so hard that the florets completely fall apart.) 500 Delicious Diabetic Recipes E-book
3. Step 3In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in just enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the skillet and heat until olive oil is shimmering. Add broccoli and garlic in an even layer and cook, without moving, until the bottom of the broccoli is crispy and golden, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook until crispy on other side, another 2 minutes.
4. Step 4Remove broccoli and garlic from skillet and transfer broccoli to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. (Discard garlic — it’s already done its job flavoring the olive oil!) Work in batches to cook remaining broccoli. SMASHED BROCCOLI
5. Step 5Immediately squeeze lemon juice over broccoli and sprinkle with Parmesan, flaky sea salt, and red pepper flakes.