Broccoli gets a bad rap. While its potential to impress is high, it’s often downright hated because of the way it’s cooked. Don’t let mushy, gray, and bland broccoli scare you away for good. It would be a mistake not to wander off the beaten path when deciding how to prepare this underappreciated vegetable. First things first: A good smashed and roasted broccoli dish just may change your life. When sliced thin and roasted in oil, salt, and optional spices until crispy and caramelized, it will show a seductive side you never suspected it was hiding.
With a little creativity, it’s easy to make broccoli the star of the show that keeps you coming back for more. Have you heard of broccoli pesto? Broccoli Caesar? Broccoli burgers? What about mashed broccoli, broccoli slaw, broccoli melt, broccoli toast, or broccoli hummus? For beginners, try slathering broccoli in cheese or cooking it in a frittata.
