Need a way to add more veggies into your meals? Try this Lemon Parmesan Smashed Broccoli! This recipe, made with only five simple ingredients, is vegetarian-friendly and perfect for pairing with chicken, fish, or even enjoying as a standalone snack.

Broccoli often gets a bad rap – some people love it, while others can’t stand it. We get it, broccoli can be bland, rubbery, and uninspiring if not prepared correctly. That’s where this recipe comes in!

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable, providing a wide array of vitamins and minerals:

  • Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system, promotes healthy skin, and aids in wound healing.
  • Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
  • Folate (Vitamin B9): Important for cell growth and DNA synthesis, especially crucial during pregnancy.
  • Potassium: Helps maintain healthy blood pressure and supports proper heart function.
  • Fiber: Aids in digestion, helps maintain bowel health, and can assist in weight management.

Incorporating broccoli into your diet can contribute to overall health and well-being due to its impressive nutritional profile and wide range of health benefits.

So, ready to make broccoli exciting again? Try this recipe out today!

Ingredients

  • 1 Large Crown Broccoli washed
  • ⅓ Cup Parmesan freshly grated

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

  • ¼ Cup Olive Oil
  • 1 Lemon juiced
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Directions

  1. To make this smashed broccoli, start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, on the stove.
  2. Once the water is boiling, add in the broccoli crown and allow it to boil for approximately 4-5 minutes. Do not allow the broccoli to cook for longer than that, as it will be mushy otherwise.
  3. After the broccoli has been cooked, remove it from the water and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, set it aside.
  4. Next, preheat the oven to 400 F.
  5. While the oven is preheating, prepare the dressing for the broccoli by whisking the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, then set it aside.
  6. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the broccoli crown on top.
  7. Cut or break the broccoli crown apart, into florets, and line the florets up evenly across the baking sheet.
  8. Then, use the bottom of a drinking glass to smash the broccoli down, until it’s as flat as possible. Repeat with each floret.
  9. Once the florets are smashed, brush the dressing across evenly across them.
  10. Then, add a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top of each floret.
  11. Finally, bake the broccoli, in the oven, for 20-22 minutes until the edges of the broccoli are crispy and the cheese has fully melted. Once they’re done, serve them and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to one week.

Recipe from Kale Junkie.