Broccoli has a poor reputation, especially among picky eaters, for being a horrible tasting vegetable, but what many people do not realise its bitterness is the result of cooking it wrong. Elizabeth Rider, a health coach and cook, has shared boiling broccoli is the least effective way to cook it as it makes it mushy and bland.
She said: “Sure, it’s super easy. But it often produces soggy, limp florets. And the longer it is cooked submerged in boiling water, the more nutrients it will lose.” Boiling broccoli also leaches out the natural sugars, flavours and nutrients, so it will have a horrible taste and texture while also not being as healthy as it should be.
Instead, it is much better to roast broccoli, as it brings out its natural sweetness and crisps it up so you get a much tastier vegetable.
Elizabeth said: “Roasting broccoli is one of my favourite ways to prepare it! It always has so much flavour. And it makes a great side dish and can also be used warm or cold in salads.”
Roasting broccoli also preserves the vitamins so it has more nutritional value, so taking the time to cook it properly will move it tastes and feel better to eat.
You can roast broccoli in an oven or air fryer, but is you truly want to boost the flavour, then make sure to add a little lemon juice.
Elizabeth said: “Jazz up your roasted broccoli with a squeeze of lemon juice.”
The natural sugars in lemon juice help tenderise and caramelise broccoli to help get a better texture, but it also brightens up the flavours so you get a zestier and fresher taste.
How to cook broccoli properly to make it tastier and healthier
To begin, wash and dry your broccoli, then cut it into florets. If you are using an oven, preheat it is 220C.
Line a tray with baking paper and add the broccoli. Make sure the florets are in a single layer and not overcrowding the tray.
Cover the broccoli with a tablespoon of extra virgin oil, a teaspoon of lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. You can also add some chopped garlic or powdered garlic granules.
If you are using an oven, cook the broccoli for 20 to 25 minutes until crunchy. If you are using an air fryer, cook at 200C for 10 to 12 minutes.
Once the broccoli is cooked, you will have a much more appetising and mouthwatering side dish to enjoy.