Your family will be begging to eat their greens with this Easy Sautéed Broccoli Recipe, which packs an amazing punch of color, flavor, and nutrition.
When my daughter was a little girl, mealtimes were sometimes a struggle. Like any child, there were foods she wasn’t too partial to. And she never hesitated to show her disapproval by pushing them to the side of her plate while pursing her lips and furrowing her brows. I often resorted to the old applesauce trick so that at least she would eat some of the food in question. For those without children, the applesauce trick basically involves adding a touch of applesauce to a spoonful of whatever you’re feeding your child. Sneaky? Yes. But I was adamant that she at least try a bite, and no way was I going to go and make her something else. Thankfully, my perseverance resulted in a foodie who happily dines on everything from snails to stinky cheeses without batting an eye.
One of the foods that was always a struggle was broccoli. For some reason, applesauce just didn’t cut it, so I stopped boiling those green florets and resorted to all kinds of more appealing preparations instead. I made broccoli soufflés, broccoli casseroles, and even broccoli pancakes. But ultimately, her favorite dish became this easy sautéed broccoli. Seasoned with a bit of crushed garlic, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of zesty lemon, this recipe produces broccoli that has a tender bite and is full of savory, bright flavors. The finishing touch is a scattering of flaked almonds, though you can easily leave them out and it would still be delicious.
Just goes to show that the simple things are often the best!
Dressing up your broccoli
This recipe is pretty basic, giving you ample opportunity to dress it up and make it even more delicious. For an Asian twist, you could try adding in a dash of soy sauce, some fresh ginger, and a chopped red chili (if you like a bit of heat). Finish with a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. You can also opt for a handful of grated Parmesan for a savory touch. For Mediterranean flair, consider adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, briny black olives, and freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley. Those who eat meat can add crispy bacon or even spicy chorizo to the broccoli for a heartier bite.
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled, the broccoli can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the broccoli will be rendered mushy upon thawing. Reheat the broccoli in a frying pan with a little olive oil.
Serving suggestions
This easy sautéed broccoli is a great side dish to everything from Roast Chicken to a hearty vegetarian lentil loaf. It’s also perfect with a simple pasta dish such as our creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta or this delightful Parmesan Pasta.
Easy Sautéed Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic crushed
- 1 head of broccoli cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons flaked almonds optional
Instructions
- Place a nonstick frying pan over medium heat and add in the olive oil.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the broccoli and sauté for 6-8 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but not too soft
- Squeeze lemon juice over the broccoli and season with salt and pepper.
- Top with the flaked almonds, if desired, and serve.
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