Description
A simple and delicious side dish featuring tender smashed broccoli florets roasted to crispy perfection and topped with fresh Parmesan cheese. This recipe combines steaming, smashing, and roasting to bring out the best flavor and texture in broccoli, enhanced with garlic, olive oil, and optional lemon juice for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 large broccoli crowns (firm, bright green)
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice (optional)
Cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli crowns thoroughly and pat dry to remove any moisture. Cut into medium-sized florets ensuring they are roughly even in size to promote uniform cooking.
- Boil or Steam Until Tender: Place the broccoli florets in boiling salted water or steam them for 6-8 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Be careful not to overcook to avoid mushy texture.
- Smash the Broccoli Florets: Transfer the cooked broccoli to a sturdy, flat surface. Using the bottom of a glass, spatula, or similar tool, press down gently on each floret to flatten it. This increases the surface area, which will help them crisp up nicely when roasted.
- Season and Roast: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the smashed florets in a single layer on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and evenly sprinkle the minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper over the broccoli. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the broccoli from the oven while still hot and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. The warmth will cause the cheese to melt slightly, creating a savory finish. Optionally, drizzle fresh lemon juice over before serving to add a bright citrus flavor.
Notes
- Use firm and fresh broccoli crowns for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the broccoli when steaming or boiling; it should be tender yet still crisp.
- Smashing broccoli increases the crispiness after roasting.
- Parmesan cheese adds a rich, umami flavor but can be omitted or substituted with a vegan cheese for dietary preferences.
- Lemon juice brightens the dish but is optional depending on your taste preference.
- For extra crispiness, ensure the florets are dry before roasting and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
