Most times I serve broccoli steamed with a bit of Parmesan butter. When I'm feeling ambitious I saute the broccoli with butter, garlic, and breadcrumbs. Either way, there is never a spare spear left in the bowl. The broccoli gets snarfed down like it's candy.
This recipe with ricotta cheese, lemon, and Parmesan is a new way to serve broccoli and I must say that everyone loved it! The cheese doesn't overpower the broccoli at all. We loved the way the ricotta added creaminess and the Parmesan added that sharp nutty flavor. The lemon went a long way in brightening up this dish, which was very welcome since we're experiencing a bad case of the winter doldrums at the moment. This was a winning broccoli recipe that's sure to be repeated in my kitchen.
Broccoli with Ricotta, Lemon, and Parmesan
Adapted from Diana Henry
Serves 2-4
One head of broccoli
1/2 cup of fresh ricotta
half a lemon, zested
1 lemon, juice only
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup shaved Parmesan
cracked black pepper and salt, to taste
Note: These measurements are a guide only. Feel free to adorn your broccoli with more cheese, oil, lemon, etc. This dish is easily customizable to suit your taste.
Steam the broccoli for around 4-5 minutes. Place the hot broccoli onto a serving plate and decorate with dollops of ricotta and nice curls of shaved parmesan (I forgot my parmesan in the pictures). Sprinkle on the lemon zest and squeeze the lemon over the broccoli. Drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle with the salt and black pepper, and serve.
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| Theme: Veggie Variations |
I'd say that you have a super smart family to have so many who love broccoli! We love it too, but wow, I think your family has got us beat! This recipe is certainly a way to prepare broccoli to a higher level of yummy! A must try!
ReplyDeleteA house vegetable? Very cool! I really enjoy broccoli too. Served up this way is really nice. I have to remember about bread crumbs when you are sauteing it too for another great way to serve this delightful vegetable.
ReplyDeleteVelva
Seriously Kim, that is the most beautiful looking plate of broccoli I've ever seen. My partner's love for broccoli knows no bounds - clearly he is somehow related to your family!! When he gets home from his travels I will definitely be making this for him - I know he's going to love it, and of course I will too :-)
ReplyDeleteBroccoli is definitely one of my favourite vegetables to eat too. It's good to hear that the ricotta cheese doesn't overpower the broccoli and parmesan brings this dish to another level. I'm going to attempt this veggie dish when I can :)
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a fantastic dish! Broccoli is a favourite here as well and I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. I must try this version.
ReplyDeleteWe love broccoli! And this dish looks so delicious! I wanted to make this dish, but did not have any ricotta at hand, will definitely be making this one of these days! A delicious veggie choice!
ReplyDeleteI do love broccoli--I just wish it loved me back instead of giving me stomach aches. (Strange I know!) ;-) This does look like a fabulous way to enjoy it--love the cheeses and the touch of lemon.
ReplyDeleteI love finding new easy veggie side dish recipes, and broccoli is always a fan favorite!
ReplyDeleteHard to beat broccoli! Take *that* President Bush! This does look like a lovely way to serve it.
ReplyDeleteSo, I'm we're not the only household who stuffs our veggie crisper with broccoli-- good to know. We love it, too, and this is a GREAT new variation on how to serve our favorite vegetable.
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