In the cabbage family, we demand broccoli, which could well become our best ally in the heart of winter.
“Eat your broccoli”, a classic interjection between parents and child, which has too often associated this green vegetable with punishment… However, with its clean flavor, its low calorie content – barely 37.6 kcal/100g –, its richness in vitamin C, and vitamin B9 which renews our cells, this little darling has everything a great one!
Health benefits
A source of minerals, fiber and vitamins, broccoli has many lines in its well-being CV: reduction of bad cholesterol, protection of the eyes and respiratory tract, prevention of muscle cramps, beautiful skin effect and fight against wrinkles , it would even prevent certain cancers. Whether you choose it as part of a diet or a dietary rebalancing, to stock up on vitamins in the heart of winter, to take care of your plate, or simply to add a little green to the menu, broccoli is never a bad idea!
The basics of broccoli
With its florets all dressed in green, broccoli is a relative of cauliflower which it resembles in shape but not in taste.
When purchasing, leave aside products that are starting to turn yellow, and favor tight bouquets of uniform color.
In terms of cooking, several options. Either steam it for 5 minutes for crunchy florets, or blanch it for 7 to 10 minutes for a more tender result. If you want to fry it to give it maximum texture, it is advisable to give it a bath beforehand (even if you may simply want to “grill” it).
Although the majority of recipes recommend cooking it, you can also enjoy it raw! Yes yes. Simply cut up the florets and mix them finely into semolina. So, we mix it with cereals or ricotta for a different dip. The idea behind this tip / preparation is simple: add vegetables where we are not used to them, and replace part of our starchy foods, for example semolina, to reduce our gluten intake in favor of fiber / vitamins .
How to make broccoli taste good?
Now that we have all the keys to preparing it, how do we add flavor to broccoli? We agree, broccoli bathed in water from the canteen is neither done nor to be done! Cooking it is good, making it fade is no.
As always in cooking, we think of spices and seasonings such as soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, but also different oils like sesame oil which gives pep to our bouquet of greens.
Also, as this vegetable is very light, you can combine it with fattier foods for indulgence. Cheese quiche, gourmet pizza, cream soup, the important thing is to find the right balance between treating yourself without going overboard.
Even in winter, we don’t hesitate to prepare complete winter salads by combining broccoli with chicken and pasta; a soft-boiled egg, spinach, and cranberries; or apples, camembert, and bacon.
The rest in 11 recipes that are good in the middle of winter.
Broccoli and Camembert Quiche
- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Broccoli and Camembert Quiche
Broccoli, ricotta and arugula pizza

- 6 persons
- Level: Easy
- 20 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Broccoli, ricotta and arugula pizza
Cauliflower and broccoli tabbouleh

- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Cauliflower and broccoli tabbouleh
Roman ravioli and broccoli

- 6 persons
- Level: Very easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Ravioles de Romans and broccoli
Light broccoli cream with hazelnuts

- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Light broccoli cream with hazelnuts
Broccoli and monk’s head salad

- 6 persons
- Level: Very easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Broccoli and monk’s head salad
Crustless quiche with smoked salmon and broccoli

- 6 persons
- Level: Very easy
- 5 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Crustless quiche with smoked salmon and broccoli
Broccoli and avocado soup, fermented milk and toasted pine nuts

- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Broccoli and avocado soup, fermented milk and toasted pine nuts
One pot pasta orecchiette, broccoli and anchovies

- 3 people
- Level: Very easy
- 10 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: One pot pasta orecchiette, broccoli and anchovies
Broccoli salad with sesame

- 4 people
- Level: Very easy
- 15 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Broccoli salad with sesame
Salmon-broccoli terrine

- 4 people
- Level: Easy
- 20 minutes of preparation
- Cheap
- See the recipe: Salmon-broccoli terrine