Ode to Broccoli

I love broccoli. It is by far my favorite vegetable. It's beautiful and incredibly good for us. It's also one of the simplest meals I know how to make.

Here are some stats about this wonderful superveggie, courtesy of WHFoods.org :




Just take a look at the nutrient per calorie punch broccoli gives us!

Here's my favorite way of eating broccoli (braised):

• few garlic cloves, sliced or minced
• OO
• Broccoli (a usual bunch you would find in the store would be fine), chopped into whatever size you like--be sure to use the crowns, not the stems. The smaller you chop, the quicker they cook.
• sautee or fry pan with top
• salt
• 2 slices of whole wheat toast, with soy-based butter like Eden Soy Whipped

Put about 1 T of OO in the pan over medium heat, add the garlic. Wait until the OO sparkles a bit, and the garlic begins to look a tad translucent. Add the broccoli. Stir the garlic and broccoli a bit so no sticking to the pan occurs--let the broccoli sautee in the pan for about 2-3 minutes. Now here's the part--add about 1/8th-1/4 C. of water to the sautee pan, and put the cover on. Let the water steam the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes--really depends on how big or small your broccoli pieces are. When done, you shouldn't have that much water left.

TIP: Keep in mind that your broccoli will keep cooking a few minutes after you remove it from the stove, and in the bowl, so a tiny bit of crunch is ok when you do your last taste test. Pile as much broccoli as you want into your favorite bowl, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and enjoy with your soy buttered toast!!! Scrumptious!

Note: Broccoli photo courtesy of kmilyun.