Description
Magic Broccoli is a simple yet flavorful roasted broccoli dish with garlic, lemon, and parmesan that results in tender-crisp florets with crispy tips, perfect as a healthy side or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium to large heads of broccoli, about 1 kg / 2 lb
- 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced or minced
- 2 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to your taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Zest of half a lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C/425°F (200°C fan) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the broccoli to crispy perfection.
- Prepare Broccoli: Cut or break the broccoli into florets and pile them onto a baking tray. Include tender stem pieces if desired.
- Toss with Seasonings: Drizzle the broccoli with extra virgin olive oil, scatter over the garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss well using your fingers, tongs, or a large bowl to coat evenly, then spread the broccoli out in a single layer on the tray.
- Roast Broccoli: Roast for 25 minutes in the oven until the tips are slightly browned and crispy, while the broccoli remains tender-crisp and not soft or floppy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tray from the oven and immediately drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle lemon zest and parmesan cheese. Toss quickly to combine, transfer to a serving plate, garnish with extra parmesan, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust salt to taste and add black pepper according to spice preference.
- For extra crispiness, make sure to spread broccoli in a single layer so it roasts evenly.
- To save prep time, garlic can be minced instead of sliced.
- If parmesan is not available, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can work for a cheesy flavor.
- Lemon zest and juice added after roasting brighten the flavor with fresh acidity.
