"Lemony broccoli" - A minimal effort side dish with maximum flavour and versatility.
This Italian-inspired side goes with pretty much anything. It’s zesty, creamy, garlicky and just as good alongside a quick midweek dinner as it is part of a bigger spread.
Think roast chicken, steak, burgers, lamb or pork chops, kebabs, fish or prawns… whatever you’re cooking, whether it’s going in the oven, on the grill or in the pan.
What you'll need
Enough for however many you're feeding, I cook for 2.
Main ingredients
- Broccoli
- Fresh basil
Fresh/ frozen
- Parmesan, grated handful or 2
- Cream, about 6 tablespoons
- Lemon, 1 zested and then juiced
- Garlic, 1 clove grated
- Salt & pepper, to taste
What to do
- While your protein and broccoli are cooking. Grate a handful or 2 of parmesan cheese and half or a full clove of garlic. Zest and juice a lemon, measure out about 6 tablespoons of cream - double is best but I have single, so will use that. Tear up some fresh basil leaves. Mix everything together.
- Drain broccoli, add to the creamy garlicky sauce, season to taste and add some parmesan shavings to decorate if you're inclined!
- Best served warm.
Swaps
Use whatever fresh herbs you have, I will use dill (again!) because that's what I have and I want to use it up, but basil really is the hero with this (imo).
Swap parmesan for another hard cheese, I have pecorino - it's similar in texture to parmesan, but a lot cheaper - but any hard cheese would work well for sure!
Swap broccoli for cabbage or green beans. Might try this with cauliflower another time too!
What you'll need
