Broccoli is my stand-by veggie, I either eat it or salad just about every night. I love it, love it, love it, love it. The usual way to make good broccoli better is to add a couple tablespoons of butter and some salt. Oh yeah, now that glistening, hot broccoli beckons you. Right?
So in the spirit of eating vegetables new and different ways, and in the spirit of avoiding dairy, I did something completely different. I didn't make enough, I could have eaten all of it for dinner. Chris made me share.
Easy Yummy Broccoli
Broccoli, as much as you want, trimmed into medium-sized florets
5 or so anchovy fillets in oil* or salt, minced (if in salt, rinse and dry)
3 garlic cloves, sliced
good Olive oil
Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for NO MORE THAN 2 minutes, just to make a tad tender. Drain. Saute garlic and anchovy in 2 or so tablespoons olive oil over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and starting to brown. Add drained broccoli and cook, stirring occasionally. Test broccoli for how done you want it, about 6 minutes for still a bit crispy. Add salt and pepper to your taste. Eats!
*note: I use Talatta Anchovy Fillets in Olive Oil from Whole Foods that I keep refrigerated and just use a few fillets at a time. This has worked well, so I don't have to use a whole thing of anchovies or throw them away. These are also better quality than most of the ones in tins sold at grocery stores. I have yet to use anchovy paste but I think that I may try some if I can find some really good stuff.
broccoli's my stand by too :-) i usually steam it but ill try blanching next time! yummy broccoli indeed!
Posted by: tanvi | May 09, 2005 at 12:19 PM
Broccoli is about the only vegetable my 9 year old boy will eat. He's good about eating others, but the broc is the standard.
I tried the anchovy again a while back while making paella. It ain't my trip. I'm sure I could substitute pancetta, you bet. Tee hee.
I had pho for lunch and am feeling GREAT !!
Posted by: Dr. Biggles | May 09, 2005 at 12:54 PM
My husband doesn't like broccoli, but lately I have been making it with a little olive oil and garlic and low and behold! he eats it and actually enjoys it...will have to try the anchovies, he loves anchovies.
Posted by: Amy | May 09, 2005 at 01:03 PM
oh Molly. I need help. I can't stand broccoli. Fred neither. And anchovies made me so sick at the age 14 I've never been able to look at them since. I think I am past saving.
Posted by: Sam | May 09, 2005 at 02:04 PM
I have an interesting philosophy about broccoli. It's not pc but it's the way I like it. My mom cooks it until it is just past green and very tender, almost (GASP!!) soft! This is because I think broccoli tastes like itself then. I also love to peel the thick trunk like stems enjoy them above the florets.
But I realize that most people don't like it cooked much, or even raw, so I keep my love of broccoli to myself, eating it pretty infrequently.
Posted by: shuna | May 09, 2005 at 02:28 PM
The thing about anchovies when they're cooked like this is that you really can't taste them. They just add some saltiness and I guess a little oomph.
I can't imagine not liking broccoli. Sam, I'm shocked. I trust you are getting your greens elsewhere however.
I usually steam my broccoli, but for this recipe a quick blanch seemed a good idea. It may be fine to steam instead, or to even do neither and just cook the broccoli longer. I'll probably try that next time as it saves time and a pot.
Glad to hear all the broccoli opinions!!! Shuna, I'll share my broccoli with you anyday.
Posted by: molly | May 09, 2005 at 07:04 PM
Molly, do you have any idea how many times I've been told you can't really taste the anchovies? Yeah me neither, but it's a lot. Trust me, I can taste them. Even in microns.
Hey, I'm hungry. What's for lunch?
Posted by: Dr. Biggles | May 10, 2005 at 09:55 AM
Molly & Biggles - I always HATED anchovies. When C asked me to make him bagna cauda, he SWORE to me that you don't taste the anchovies once you have all that garlic in there, and then dip the veggies in.
Yeah, I GAGGED just trying to MAKE the stuff. Then I gagged again when I tasted it.
All that said, I really have come to enjoy fresh cured anchovies. Yum.
As for the broccoli... I love it. All of it. I love to roast it, steam it, eat it raw. Broccoli is happiness.
Posted by: Fatemeh | May 10, 2005 at 10:30 AM
i need you guys to help me.
with the fresh cured anchovies and the broccolli too.
otherwise I am going to gagging like Fatemeh.
PS I love my mum's brocolli soup, maybe because she disguises it in a ton of cheddar cheese and cream.
Posted by: Sam | May 11, 2005 at 04:28 PM