Lemon Crunchy Topped Broccoli
Rather than smothering broccoli in cheese to get the kids to eat it, another way is to use lemon and a crunchy, buttery tasting topping. Anything that brightens up the broccoli and gives it crunch will get the kids to come to the dinner table without complaining!
10 cups fresh broccoli, cut into florets
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 shallot, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Fill a large saucepan half way with fresh water, and bring to boil. Add the broccoli and cook for just 3 minutes, then drain immediately. Set aside.
Place the butter in a skillet over low heat along with the shallot and garlic. Cook 1 to 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Add the bread crumbs and continue cooking 2 minutes or until the bread crumbs begin to brown. Remove from heat.
Scoop the mixture into a mixing bowl. Add to the bowl, the lemon peel and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper. Stir to combine well.
Pour olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add the steamed broccoli to the oil and cook 5 or 6 minutes until lightly browned and heated through. Sprinkle the other 1/8 teaspoon of pepper over the cooked broccoli and stir.
Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle the top with the bread crumb mixture. Serve immediately while it’s hot.