Innovative Ways to Cook with Broccoli Besides Beef

Are you fed up with the same old recipes when it comes to cooking with broccoli aside from beef? This versatile vegetable can be the star ingredient in so many dishes, from comforting sides to fun Buddha bowls, and more. Let’s explore some creative ways to include broccoli in your meals.

Broccoli as a Versatile Side Dish

Broccoli can be a fantastic accompaniment to a variety of meals, providing a boost of nutrients and a crisp texture. Here are some creative and tasty ways to include broccoli in your sides:

Roasted Broccoli with Veggies: Try roasting broccoli with other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and baby tomatoes. This combination makes a hearty and colorful side dish that can be enjoyed with roast chicken, pork, or even a simple salad. Store them in a big tupperware container and use them for various meals like omelets or frittatas. Fried Broccoli: For a quick and easy side, you can fry broccoli in a bit of oil after lightly washing it and adding a pinch of salt. Top it off with a homemade maggie masala, chopped tomatoes, and deep-fry it to perfection. Cauliflower and Cheese: Combine the power of broccoli with cauliflower and cheese for a delicious and healthy meal. This can be a fantastic option for those who want to diversify their cooking repertoire and enjoy a nutritious dish.

Exploring Broccoli in Buddha Bowls

Buddha bowls are the perfect combination of comfort and nutrition. Broccoli can be the star of the show in these vibrant bowls, providing a excellent balance of vegetables and proteins. Here’s how you can incorporate broccoli into your Buddha bowls:

1. Broccoli in Buddha Bowls

Broccoli can be steamed, roasted, or even sautéed and tossed into your Buddha bowl. Pair it with cooked grains like quinoa or brown rice, add some protein like tofu or grilled chicken, and top it off with a mix of colorful vegetables and a flavorful dressing. This makes for a fantastic and healthy meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Salads and Mashed Potatoes with Broccoli

Broccoli can also be a surprising ingredient in salads and mashed potatoes, adding a unique twist to traditional dishes:

1. Broccoli-Infused Mashed Potatoes

Instead of just using butter and milk to make mashed potatoes, add some steamed or roasted broccoli to the mix. This not only adds a vibrant color to your mashed potatoes but also boosts their nutritional value. Sauté the broccoli and mash it in with your potatoes for a delicious and healthy side dish.

2. Broccoli in Salads

Broccoli can be chopped and added to salads for a crunchy texture and a boost of vitamin C. Try making a caprese salad with blended avocado and sliced tomatoes, and add some chopped broccoli for that extra crunch. This makes for a delightful and healthy meal that’s perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick lunch.

A Few More Ideas for Using Broccoli in Your Cooking

Broccoli can be so much more than just a simple side dish or salad ingredient:

3. Homemade Broccoli Pesto

Consider making a homemade version of pesto using finely chopped broccoli. Blanch the broccoli first to preserve its bright green color, then add it to a fry pan with a few cloves of garlic, a bit of salt, olive oil, and fresh basil. This is a healthier and more affordable version of pesto that's perfect for poor college students or anyone looking for a budget-friendly meal.

4. Broccoli and Cheese Dishes

Combining broccoli with cheese can create a range of delicious and comforting meals. You can make a classic cauliflower and cheese dish and substitute some of the cauliflower with broccoli for added nutrition. This dish is easy to make and perfect for family dinners.

In conclusion, there are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with broccoli. From simple sides to heartier meals and creative Buddha bowls, broccoli can be a fantastic ingredient to add to your meals. So, next time you’re thinking about your cooking, don’t hesitate to include broccoli – it's a wonderful way to add flavor, texture, and nutrition to your dishes!