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BROCCOLI, with its vibrant green colour and distinctive taste, is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can elevate your regular dishes to new heights. Unlike its cousin cauliflower, broccoli can be a bit overpowering when it comes to its taste. Consume it fresh to make the most of this health-boosting vegetable. Follow our step-by-step guide to creating delicious broccoli dishes using everyday ingredients.
Broccoli and Potato Curry
Experience the rich flavours of the spices in your kitchen in this comforting broccoli and potato curry. Start by heating oil in a pan and adding cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and a pinch of asafoetida. Once the seeds start to crackle, add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and red chilli powder. Stir well and add diced potatoes and broccoli florets. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Add a splash of water if needed. Finish off with a sprinkle of garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve this aromatic curry with steamed rice or warm rotis.
Broccoli and Chickpea Salad
Refresh your palate with a vibrant and nutritious broccoli and chickpea salad. Start by blanching the broccoli florets in boiling water for a minute and then plunging them into ice-cold water to retain their vibrant green colour. In a mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, cooked chickpeas, diced tomatoes, finely chopped onions, and fresh coriander leaves. For the dressing, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Allow the flavours to meld for a few minutes before serving. This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Broccoli and Paneer Pulao
Elevate your rice game with this flavourful broccoli and paneer pulao. Start by cooking basmati rice until it is fluffy and set it aside. In a pan, heat ghee or oil and add cumin seeds, bay leaves, and whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Once the spices release their aroma, add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste, green chillies, and diced paneer. Cook until the paneer turns golden. Now, add broccoli florets, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the broccoli is tender. Finally, add the cooked rice and gently mix everything together. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve this fragrant pulao with raita or a side of yoghurt.
Broccoli and Coconut Curry
Transport your taste buds to the coastal regions of the country with this creamy and aromatic broccoli and coconut curry. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chillies. Once the mustard seeds start to splutter, add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add grated coconut, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chilli powder. Stir well and add broccoli florets. Cook until the broccoli is tender. Pour in coconut milk and simmer for a few minutes. Adjust the consistency by adding water if needed. Finish off with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve this luscious curry with steamed rice or naan bread.
Broccoli and Mushroom Stir-Fry
Savour the earthy flavours of broccoli and mushrooms in this delightful stir-fry. Heat oil in a pan and add sliced onions, minced garlic, and finely chopped green chillies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown. Add sliced mushrooms and stir-fry until they release their moisture and turn golden. Now, add broccoli florets and sprinkle some soy sauce, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the broccoli is cooked yet retains its crunch. Finish off with a drizzle of sesame oil and garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Serve this flavourful stir-fry as a side dish or toss it with noodles for a complete meal.
Broccoli and Spinach Pakoras
The crispy goodness of broccoli and spinach pakoras are perfect as a tea-time snack or appetiser. In a bowl, combine besan (gram flour), rice flour, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, ajwain (carom seeds), and salt. Gradually add water to make a thick batter. Add finely chopped broccoli florets and spinach leaves to the batter and mix well. Heat oil in a deep pan for frying. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a kitchen towel to remove excess oil. Serve these delectable pakoras with mint chutney or tomato ketchup for a delightful treat.
Broccoli, with its numerous health benefits and versatility, is a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into your regular meals. From rich gravies to salads, there are endless possibilities to explore. So, the next time you visit your local market, grab a bunch of fresh broccoli and embark on a culinary adventure. With these recipes, you can create mouth-watering dishes that are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.
