6 Ways to Cook Broccoli

Broccoli is so versatile that the vegetable can be eaten raw, or cooked in six ways: blanched, boiled, steamed, sautéed, roasted and grilled. It is easy to prepare broccoli no matter which way you plan to cook it. First, trim off the florets from the main stalk. Slice the stems after you remove any leaves and blemishes from them.

Broccoli is a healthy vegetable. A 100 gram serving of raw broccoli has only 34 calories and is a rich source of vitamins B, C and K. It also has minerals and is high in fiber. Raw broccoli is 89% water and only 7% carbohydrates which makes it ideal for diabetics. It is a superfood for anyone who is health conscience and loves vegetables.

Blanched Broccoli

Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Add a tablespoon of salt. Put the broccoli florets in the pot of water and cook for only 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. They will be tender by then. For softer broccoli, cook for an additional 30 seconds, but do not overcook. Remove the florets and put them in ice water. Use blanched broccoli in salads, frittatas, casseroles, and soups.

Boiled Broccoli

It takes only ten minutes to prepare and boil broccoli. If you are rushing to make dinner for your hungry family, boiling broccoli is a time saver. Cut the florets from the main stalk. Place them in a saucepan with only enough water to cover them. Put a top on the pan and bring it to a full boil. The broccoli will be tender in 5-7 minutes. Do not overcook. Boiled broccoli makes an excellent side dish especially when topped with cheese sauce.

Steamed Broccoli

You can steam broccoli in your microwave oven. Place the broccoli florets and stems in a microwave-safe dish and pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of water over the top. Cover and microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes. Microwave an additional minute if you want softer broccoli.

You can also steam broccoli on the stovetop. Put a few inches of water in a pot. Put a steamer basket over the water. Add broccoli floret and stems when the water begins to simmer over medium-high heat. Cover the pot and let the contents steam for 4 to 5 minutes. Whether you steam your broccoli in the microwave or on the stovetop, use the florets and stems in warm salads, frittatas, casseroles and soups.

Sautéd Broccoli

Put oil in a skillet and set it over high to medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and a pinch of salt. Toss the florets so they can become coated with oil. Add the stems about a minute later. Continue cooking and stirring until the broccoli is bright green and tender. Sautéd broccoli can be used as a side dish.

Roasted Broccoli

Heat your oven to 425°F. Toss the broccoli florets and stems with a few teaspoons of oil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Put aluminum foil on a baking sheet. Spread the broccoli in a single layer. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes. By that time, the florets will be crunchy with caramelized brown spots. The roasted broccoli can be used in cold or warm salads, as pizza toppings or as a delicious side dish.

Grilled Broccoli

If you are grilling meat outside on the grill, you can put some broccoli on the grill as well. Simply put some olive oil on the florets and stems. Grill over medium heat for eight minutes. The broccoli gets slightly charred and ends up with a delicious sweet and nutty flavor. Grilled broccoli goes good with your other grilled foods such as steaks, barbecue chicken, ribs, hamburgers, and hotdogs.

You can flavor your grilled broccoli by adding Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, chili powder, ranch salad dressing, balsamic dressing, herbs, or any of your favorite spices and seasonings. You won't go wrong no matter what you use to flavor grilled broccoli or even if you use nothing on the versatile vegetable.