I never thought broccoli could taste so good till I tried roasting it with garlic and parmesan cheese. It turns this plain veggie into something you actually look forward to eating. Roasting gives it a nice crisp brown edge that you just cant resist snatching off youre plate.
Broccoli gets called a superfood alot since its packed with vitamins and minerals your body need. When you roast it the flavors pop even more and the cheese and garlic soak in every bite. Its one of those dishes where you reach for just one more piece even though you know youre full.
This recipe is realy easy and a sneaky good way to get more greens into your meals. You can eat it as a side or even toss it in a salad. Either way youll love the blend of savory garlic and nutty parmesan mixing with the tender broccoli.
The Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli
Broccoli is called a nutritional powerhouse and its easy to see why. Its loaded with vitamin C thats great for your immune system and skin, plus vitamin K thats essential for keeping bones strong and helping your blood to clot right. You also get folate which is needed to make and fix DNA, and potassium wich helps keep your blood pressure in check.
All these nutrients work together to keep you helthy and feeling good. Eating broccoli often may help boost your immune system, lower your risk of chronic illnesses, and keep your cells working like they should. Thats why adding broccoli to your diet is a smart move.
Antioxidant Properties
Broccoli is also rich in antioxidants wich help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. These compounds fight inflammation and support your cells so you stay healthy. One special group of antioxidants found in broccoli are glucosinolates, and theyve been linked to a lower risk of some cancers.
Including broccoli in your meals can give your body extra defense against illness. Plus, the roasting makes it taste even better, so you dont mind eating it regularily.
Potential Health Benefits
Besides being packed with nutrients, broccoli has other health perks too. Studies are say it may improve heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help with swelling in your body that sometimes lead to chronic diseases.
Broccoli is low in calories and high in fiber wich makes it a solid choice for weight lose and good digestion. Fiber keeps you full for longer so you eat less junk and can control portion sizes. That means Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is not only tasty but also a smart pick for any balanced diet.
Key Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
To make the best Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli, pick good quality ingredients. They make a big difference in the taste and nutrition of the dish. Here are the basics youll need.
Fresh Broccoli
Look for firm, bright green florets with tight buds since theyre the freshest. Wash them well and cut into similar sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Garlic
Fresh garlic packs more flavor then the powdered kind. Mince it fine, and add it at the start so it can flavor the broccoli while it roasts.
Parmesan Cheese
You can use aged parmesan for a bold, nutty taste or fresh parmesan if you want something milder. If you need a non-dairy option, try pecorino romano or some nutritional yeast.
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil adds flavour and helps you get that perfect golden finish. If you want, avocado oil or even melted coconut oil work too.
Optional Add-ins
- Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- Lemon juice to brighten the taste
- Nuts like almonds or pine nuts for extra crunch
Detailed Recipe for Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Ingredients
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Olive oil
- Fresh garlic (minced)
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: lemon juice, red pepper flakes, nuts
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for best roasting.
- Wash and cut broccoli into bite sized pieces.
- In a big bowl, mix broccoli with olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper so every pieces are coated.
- Spread the broccoli in one layer on a baking sheet so it roast evenly.
- Roast in the oven 20–25 minutes, stirring once half way through.
- In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle the parmesan over the broccoli so it melts and gets a little brown.
- If you want, drizzle with lemon juice, add red pepper flakes, or toss in nuts before serving.
- Serve warm as a side or mix into salads for extra flavour.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Watch the broccoli as it cooks, you want it tender with a slight crunch. Play around with spices like garlic powder, onion powder or even smoked paprika for a change. You can also serve it next to grilled meats or toss it with pasta for a quick meal. There are tons of ways to enjoy this versatile dish.
GARLIC PARMESAN ROASTED BROCCOLI
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper optional
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 grater for cheese if not pre-grated
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss until the broccoli is evenly coated.
- Spread the broccoli mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the broccoli.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
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