If you are looking for a low-carb and gluten-free treat that is easy to make and delicious to eat, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will show you how to make smashed broccoli with parmesan and garlic, a crispy and cheesy delight that will make you fall in love with this nutritious vegetable. Smashed broccoli is a simple and fun way to enjoy broccoli, as you just need to boil it, smash it, season it, and bake it until golden and crunchy. You can also add some grated parmesan cheese and minced garlic for extra flavor and texture. This smashed broccoli recipe is perfect as a side dish, a snack, or even a main course if you pair it with some protein. You will be amazed by how satisfying and tasty this smashed broccoli parmesan is, and how easy it is to make. So, let’s get started and learn how to make this amazing dish.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make this smashed broccoli recipe, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
- Broccoli: You will need about 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets, which is equivalent to one large head or two small heads of broccoli. You can also use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before smashing it.
- Parmesan cheese: You will need about 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, which will add a nice cheesy flavor and help the broccoli crisp up in the oven. You can use vegan parmesan cheese if you prefer.
- Garlic: You will need about 2 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed. Garlic will add a lot of flavor and aroma to the broccoli and also has some health benefits.
- Olive oil: You will need about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, which will help the broccoli cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the baking sheet. For this recipe, you have the option to choose any type of oil you prefer, such as coconut oil or avocado oil.
- Salt and pepper: In addition to salt and pepper for seasoning the broccoli, you can also incorporate other spices and herbs like red pepper flakes, oregano, or rosemary according to your taste.
- Baking sheet: A large baking sheet is necessary for spreading the broccoli in a single layer during baking. To make cleanup easier, you can either line the sheet with parchment paper or apply cooking spray beforehand.
- Potato masher: A potato masher will be needed to smash the boiled broccoli. You can also use a fork or a spatula, but a potato masher will make the job easier and faster.
Steps to Make Smashed Broccoli
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, you can follow these simple steps to make smashed broccoli with parmesan and garlic:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with cooking spray.
- Wash and trim your broccoli florets and cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can also use a knife to peel and chop the broccoli stems if you don’t want to waste them.
- To prepare the broccoli, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Then, place the broccoli in the pot and cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until it is easily pierced with a fork. Be sure not to overcook it so that it remains tender but not too soft.
- Once cooked, drain the broccoli thoroughly and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix well to evenly coat the broccoli. For additional flavor, you may also add any desired spices or herbs at this stage.
- Spread the broccoli in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Use a potato masher to smash each broccoli piece slightly, flattening them and creating some cracks. This will help the broccoli crisp up and absorb more flavor in the oven.
- Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the broccoli. You can also add some more salt and pepper if needed.
- Bake the broccoli for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy. To monitor progress, use a spatula to lift a piece of broccoli. The bottom and edges should be browned and crispy.
- Enjoy your smashed broccoli with parmesan and garlic as a side dish, a snack, or a main course. You can also serve it with some lemon wedges, sour cream, or your favorite sauce.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make this smashed broccoli recipe even better:
- To suit personal preference, the cooking time for broccoli can be adjusted. For a softer texture, increase the cooking time, and for a firmer texture, decrease it.
- In place of parmesan cheese, alternative types like mozzarella, cheddar, or feta can be used. A variety of cheeses can also be mixed for added diversity.
- For added crunch and sweetness, nuts, seeds, or dried fruits can be incorporated into the broccoli. Options include almonds, walnuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, cranberries, or raisins.
- This recipe can also be prepared with different vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini. It is important to ensure that they are cut to similar sizes and the cooking time is adjusted accordingly.
Conclusion
You have just learned how to make smashed broccoli with parmesan and garlic, a low-carb and gluten-free treat that is easy to make and delicious to eat. This smashed broccoli recipe is a simple and fun way to enjoy broccoli, as you just need to boil it, smash it, season it, and bake it until golden and crunchy. You have the option to personalize it by adding a variety of cheeses, spices, herbs, nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Smashed broccoli parmesan is perfect for any occasion, whether you want a healthy snack, a tasty side dish, or a satisfying main course. Try this recipe today and see for yourself how amazing smashed broccoli can be.
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