Sides
Lemon-Parmesan roasted broccoli
Broccoli roasted hot enough to brown and crisp at the edges, then tossed with lemon, garlic, and Parmesan. It might convert people who think they do not like broccoli.
Photo: Keith McDuffee via Flickr, CC BY 2.0 (cropped).
Allergens: Contains milk (Parmesan).
Ingredients
- 2 large heads broccoli (about 2 pounds)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zest and 1 tablespoon juice
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds (optional)
Method
- Heat the oven to 450°F with a rack in the upper-middle position. If you have time, put the empty sheet pan in the oven while it heats.
- Cut the broccoli into florets with flat sides, about 1 1/2 inches across. Peel the thick stems and slice them into coins; they roast beautifully. Make sure the broccoli is completely dry.
- Toss the broccoli with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl.
- Spread the broccoli on the hot sheet pan, cut sides down, in a single layer. Roast 15 to 18 minutes, until tender and well browned on the bottom.
- Sprinkle the garlic over the broccoli in the last 3 minutes of roasting so it cooks without burning.
- Transfer to a bowl and toss with the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and almonds, if using. Serve hot.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or skillet for a few minutes to bring back some crispness; the microwave makes it soft.
Kitchen notes
Flat sides make contact with the pan, and contact is what makes browning. It is worth the extra minute of cutting.
Do not crowd the pan. Two pounds of broccoli fits on one large rimmed sheet pan in a single layer; if yours is smaller, use two.
This same method works for cauliflower, Brussels sprouts (halved), and green beans. Adjust the time until each vegetable is tender and browned.
Kitchen notes, not medical advice. These pages describe how to cook food. They do not diagnose, treat, or promise any health result. If you have an allergy or need a specific eating pattern, follow the advice of a qualified professional.