Broccoli in Lemon Sauce

Lemon Broccoli Recipe with a Zesty Twist - Delicious and Nutritious!

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Broccoli in Lemon Sauce is a delicious and healthy side dish that combines the freshness of broccoli with the tangy flavor of lemon. This recipe is perfect for a light and refreshing addition to any meal.

History

The combination of broccoli and lemon has been a popular flavor pairing for many years. The bright and zesty taste of lemon complements the earthy and slightly bitter flavor of broccoli, creating a harmonious and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

20 oz (567 g) package of frozen broccoli spears
2 tbsp of butter or margarine
1 tbsp of flour
0.5 cup of milk
1 tbsp of grated lemon peel
1 tbsp of lemon juice
0.25 tbsp of salt
0.25 tbsp of ground ginger

How to prepare

Cook broccoli in a shallow, heat-resistant, non-metallic, 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) baking dish.
Drain and set aside.
In a small, heat-resistant, non-metallic bowl, melt butter or margarine in the microwave oven for 30 seconds.
Blend in flour with a fork until smooth.
Gradually stir in milk.
Heat, uncovered, in the microwave oven for 1 minute or until thickened and smooth.
Gradually stir in lemon peel and juice to prevent curdling.
Stir in salt and ginger until well blended.
Spoon sauce over drained broccoli spears.
Heat, uncovered, in the microwave oven for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through.

Variations

Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Substitute the lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
Top with toasted almonds or breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to not overcook the broccoli, as it can become mushy and lose its vibrant green color.

- Be sure to gradually stir in the lemon juice to prevent the sauce from curdling.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to suit your personal taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Broccoli in Lemon Sauce pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. Serve it alongside a simple salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe utilizes the microwave oven for quick and easy preparation. However, you can also prepare the sauce on the stovetop if desired.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute almond milk for dairy milk for a dairy-free option.

- Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for a fresher taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the sauce and pour it over freshly cooked broccoli when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh lemon slices or parsley for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative serving dish for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Broccoli in Lemon Sauce pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light and refreshing beer, such as a wheat beer or pilsner.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Broccoli in Lemon Sauce contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Broccoli in Lemon Sauce contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Broccoli in Lemon Sauce contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Broccoli in Lemon Sauce contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Broccoli is a rich source of vitamins C and K, as well as folate and fiber. The lemon in the sauce adds additional vitamin C to the dish.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and gluten (flour). It may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Broccoli in Lemon Sauce is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

Summary

Broccoli in Lemon Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its bright and zesty flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Broccoli in Lemon Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins pick some fresh broccoli from her garden. Mrs. Jenkins was a wonderful cook, and she was always willing to share her recipes with me. As we sat on her porch shelling peas, she began to tell me about a new recipe she had recently come across in a cookbook she had borrowed from the library.

"It's a simple dish, but the flavors are just so bright and refreshing," Mrs. Jenkins said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "It's perfect for summer dinners when you want something light and healthy."

I was intrigued, so I asked her to show me how to make it. Mrs. Jenkins was more than happy to oblige, and we spent the rest of the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping and sautéing and stirring until we had a beautiful dish of broccoli in lemon sauce on the table.

The taste was absolutely divine – the crispy broccoli perfectly complemented by the tangy lemon sauce. I knew right then and there that this was a recipe I had to add to my collection.

Over the years, I made the dish countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I would add a little extra garlic or a splash of white wine, but the basic components – broccoli, lemon, and a touch of butter – remained the same.

As I shared the recipe with friends and family, it became a staple at gatherings and potlucks. Everyone raved about the bright, fresh flavors and the way the sauce coated the broccoli just so. It was a dish that brought people together, sparking conversations and creating lasting memories.

One particular memory stands out in my mind – the time my granddaughter came to visit me for the summer. She had always been curious about cooking, so I decided to teach her how to make my beloved broccoli in lemon sauce.

We spent an afternoon in the kitchen, just like Mrs. Jenkins and I had all those years ago. My granddaughter chopped the broccoli with a look of fierce concentration on her face, her small hands carefully guiding the knife. She squeezed the lemons with all her might, giggling as the juice squirted out onto her fingers. And when it came time to stir the sauce, she did so with a sense of purpose that made my heart swell with pride.

As we sat down to eat our creation, I watched as my granddaughter took her first bite of the broccoli in lemon sauce. Her eyes widened in surprise, and then a smile spread across her face.

"This is delicious, Grandma!" she exclaimed, reaching for a second helping. "I can't wait to make it for my friends back home."

And just like that, the recipe for broccoli in lemon sauce had been passed down to another generation. It was a moment of pure joy and connection, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting bonds.

As I sit here now, thinking back on that day with my granddaughter, I realize just how special this recipe truly is. It's more than just a dish – it's a symbol of love and tradition, a link to the past and a bridge to the future.

And so, I will continue to make my broccoli in lemon sauce, sharing it with anyone who is willing to try. Because in the end, it's not just about the food – it's about the memories we create and the stories we pass down from one generation to the next. And that, to me, is the true magic of cooking.