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Magic Broccoli

Course Vegetables
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 2 medium to large heads broccoli about 1 kg / 2 lb
  • 2 cloves garlic finely sliced or minced
  • 2 1/2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to your taste)
  • pepper
  • lemon zest from half a lemon
  • 1 tbs lemon juice
  • 2 tbs parmesan cheese freshly greated, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 220C/425F (standard) or 180C/350F (fan/convection).
  • Cut/break broccoli into florets and pile onto baking tray. (Note 2 re: stem)
  • Drizzle all over with extra virgin olive oil, scatter with garlic, salt and pepper. Toss with fingers or tongs, then spread out over tray in a single layer (or toss in large bowl or ziplock bag).
  • Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the tips of the florets are slightly browned and crispy. The broccoli should be "tender crisp", meaning just cooked through, not soft and floppy.
  • Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle over the lemon juice, zest, and parmesan. Toss quickly, transfer to serving plate and garnish with a bit more parmesan. Serve warm!

Notes

Magic Broccoli (Best roasted broccoli recipe ever!)

This is insanely simple to make but it's the best broccoli ever!  I call it "Magic Broccoli" because it IS magic how a little roasting and a drizzle of lemon juice and parmesan can transform broccoli!
Close up overhead photo of Magic Broccoli - the best roasted broccoli ever, fresh out of the oven
1. Broccoli size - heads about 20 - 22cm / 8-9" wide. Sounds like a lot, but the broccoli shrinks while baking.
2. Broccoli stem - the thick stem that most people just discard actually has terrific flavor, just like the small stem on each floret. Just peel the outer layer - vegetable peeler or stand it upright and use your knife - then chop and use in this recipe or another recipe. I stockpile things like this and end up using it in a Fridge Forage recipe that I do every week! Stir fries (cut into batons), finely dice and use in soups, fried rice, casseroles or even hide them in things like pasta sauces.