Roasting broccoli Recipe

Roasting broccoli is a simple and delicious way to prepare this healthy vegetable. The high heat of the oven caramelizes the natural sugars in the broccoli, giving it a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. It's also a versatile dish that can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to suit your taste. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make roasted broccoli.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Cut the broccoli into florets, making sure to remove the tough stalks. You can also peel the stalks if desired, as the inside is tender and edible.

3. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add any additional seasonings at this point, such as garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese.

4. Spread the florets out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the florets, as this can cause steaming instead of roasting.

5. Roast the broccoli for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are brown and crispy. You can check the broccoli every 10 minutes, and give the pan a shake to rotate the florets, ensuring an even roast.

6. Once the broccoli is done, remove it from the oven and serve immediately. You can also garnish the broccoli with additional seasonings or herbs before serving, such as lemon zest, chopped fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Roasted broccoli is a great side dish for any meal. It pairs well with a variety of proteins such as chicken, fish, or steak, and can also be served with grains such as quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal. It's also a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and pizzas.

You can also play around with the seasoning to make it more flavorful. Some of the popular options are cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, or even a sprinkle of cumin and coriander.

Another way to make your roasted broccoli more interesting is to add some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil. Simply chop the herbs and toss them with the broccoli before roasting.

You can also add some nuts or seeds to the broccoli before roasting. Some of the options are pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or even pumpkin seeds. These add a nice crunch and additional flavor to the roasted broccoli.

Roasting broccoli is a quick and easy way to prepare this delicious and healthy vegetable. With a little bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, you can create a simple and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed with almost any meal. By trying different seasonings, herbs, nuts and seeds you can customize the dish to your liking, making it even more delicious and versatile.