Vegetable steamers are amazing little contraptions that can be found for fifty cents or so at a garage sale or thrift store. Steaming is a fast and healthy way to whip up a veggie side dish, and broccoli is my personal favorite for the role.
Steamed Broccoli
I use the old antique-looking stainless steel basket vegetable steamer; it works perfectly and I have no complaints, but I know that cooler kids are using newer contraptions and I accept those people for the high maintenance gadget buying humans that they are. I’ll be over here in my cave with my primitive tools cooking over a fire, happily.
Don’t toss the stem! While you may want to slice off the bottom of the stem if it has dried up a bit, hold on to the remainder. Chop it thinly and steam it with the florets. Now for the recipe…
steamed broccoli
You’ll need:
-A head of broccoli the size of your face*, chopped
-2tbsp fresh grated parmesan cheese
-2tbsp butter
-1 clove garlic, finely chopped
Simple steps:
1.Place the steamer, opened, in a pot. Fill with water to just below the base of the steamer. Cover and bring water to a boil.
2. In a separate pan, melt the butter on low ; add the garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, making sure the garlic does not brown. Remove from heat.
3. Meanwhile, place the broccoli in the steamer and cover the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Turn off heat. Lightly Toss the broccoli in the garlic butter. Top with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
*Imagining people picking out broccoli at a farmer’s market by comparing the broccoli head size to their own face is making me smile already!
1 Comment »