Broccoli
Broccoli brings fibrous texture and a slightly bitter, earthy taste.
Flavor profile
Aroma: fresh, cabbage-like
Good to know
Origin: Mediterranean
Forms: fresh, frozen, florets, stems
Storage: Refrigerate in a plastic bag to retain moisture and freshness, using within a week.
How to use broccoli
Steam Power
Preserve color and soften structure. Steam broccoli.
Get Roasting
Browning reactions up the sweetness and flavor complexity.
What goes with broccoli
- Cheddar. Cheddar's salty, sharp richness softens broccoli's bitter edge.
- Garlic. Garlic's sulfur sweetness balances broccoli's slight bitterness.
- Parmesan. Parmesan's salty umami and roasted broccoli's browned edges suit each other.
- Lemon. Lemon's acidity highlights broccoli's natural sweetness and crispness.
- Olive oil. Olive oil's fat highlights broccoli's subtle sweetness.
- Anchovy. Anchovy's salt and umami tame the faint bitterness of broccoli.
- Nutritional Yeast. Nutritional yeast adds savory depth to roasted broccoli.
- Potato. Mild brassica and mild starch sit fine together, but neither adds contrast.
Mistakes to avoid
- Overcook it, and the green fades to gray.
- Nutrient loss might beat exposure to air.
Ideas for tonight
- Broccoli stir fry
- Roasted broccoli with garlic
- Broccoli cheese soup
Broccoli: questions
What does broccoli taste like?
Broccoli brings fibrous texture and a slightly bitter, earthy taste., with an aroma that is fresh, cabbage-like.
What goes well with broccoli?
Broccoli pairs best with cheddar, garlic, parmesan, lemon, olive oil. Cheddar's salty, sharp richness softens broccoli's bitter edge.
How do you use broccoli in cooking?
Steam Power: preserve color and soften structure. Steam broccoli.
How should you store broccoli?
Refrigerate in a plastic bag to retain moisture and freshness, using within a week.
What is the most common mistake with broccoli?
Overcook it, and the green fades to gray.
