Broccoli with Lemon Sauce

Broccoli with Lemon Sauce Recipe - Healthy and Flavorful

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Broccoli with Lemon Sauce is a delicious and healthy side dish that is perfect for any meal. The combination of the fresh, crisp broccoli with the tangy and zesty lemon sauce is sure to please your taste buds. This recipe is easy to make and can be ready in just a few simple steps.

History

Broccoli with Lemon Sauce is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of broccoli and lemon has long been a popular pairing in many cuisines around the world. The bright and citrusy flavor of the lemon sauce complements the earthy taste of the broccoli perfectly, creating a harmonious and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

1 large bunch of broccoli
1 tbsp of lemon juice
apple cider vinegar to taste
1 tbsp of water or sugar-free lemon-lime soda
sweetener if desired

How to prepare

Clean and trim the broccoli.
Cut the stalks and florets into approximately 3-inch pieces resembling "trees".
Simmer the broccoli gently for about 12 minutes, covered with water (steaming is also an option).
Drain the broccoli.
Mix together lemon juice, liquid, and sweetener.
Drizzle the lemon mixture over the broccoli.
Heat the lemon mixture to keep the vegetable warm.

Variations

Add garlic or ginger to the lemon sauce for a different flavor profile.
Sprinkle toasted almonds or sesame seeds on top for added crunch.
Substitute honey or maple syrup for the sweetener for a different sweetness level.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- You can adjust the amount of lemon juice and sweetener in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add lemon zest to the sauce.

- Serve the broccoli with lemon sauce immediately after preparing to enjoy it at its freshest.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Broccoli with Lemon Sauce as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

- Pair it with rice or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal.

- Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for added flavor and presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the broccoli is a healthy cooking technique that helps retain its nutrients and vibrant color.

- Simmering the broccoli in water helps to soften it while still maintaining its texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.

- Substitute white vinegar for apple cider vinegar if desired.

- Use a sugar substitute such as stevia or erythritol instead of sweetener for a lower-calorie option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the lemon sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- Steam or blanch the broccoli in advance and reheat it before serving with the lemon sauce.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the broccoli on a serving platter and drizzle the lemon sauce over the top for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with lemon slices or zest for a decorative touch. - Serve the Broccoli with Lemon Sauce in individual ramekins for a more formal presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Broccoli with Lemon Sauce with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Serve it alongside a light and refreshing salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Broccoli with Lemon Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Broccoli with Lemon Sauce: Approximately 50 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Broccoli: 6g of carbohydrates per serving

- Lemon juice: 4g of carbohydrates per serving

- Lemon-lime soda: 10g of carbohydrates per serving

- Sweetener: 0g of carbohydrates per serving

Fats

- Broccoli: 0.5g of fats per serving

- Lemon juice: 0g of fats per serving

- Lemon-lime soda: 0g of fats per serving

- Sweetener: 0g of fats per serving

Proteins

- Broccoli: 3g of proteins per serving

- Lemon juice: 0g of proteins per serving

- Lemon-lime soda: 0g of proteins per serving

- Sweetener: 0g of proteins per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Broccoli is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.

- Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C.

- Lemon-lime soda and sweetener do not provide significant amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as citrus (lemon) and sweeteners. Be sure to check for any specific allergens that may affect you or your guests.

Summary

Broccoli with Lemon Sauce is a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-carbohydrate dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and nutritious side dish that can be enjoyed by all.

Summary

Broccoli with Lemon Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of the fresh broccoli with the tangy lemon sauce creates a delicious and nutritious side dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this dish as part of a healthy and balanced meal for a satisfying and delicious dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl with a passion for cooking. I had always loved experimenting in the kitchen, trying out new flavors and techniques to create delicious meals for my family.

One day, I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Broccoli with Lemon Sauce caught my eye. I had never heard of such a dish before, but something about it intrigued me. The combination of the fresh, vibrant broccoli and the tangy, zesty lemon sauce sounded like a match made in heaven.

I decided to give the recipe a try, and I was delighted with the results. The broccoli was perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of crunch, and the lemon sauce added a burst of flavor that complemented the vegetable perfectly. From that moment on, Broccoli with Lemon Sauce became a staple on our dinner table.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about how delicious it is. And now, I am excited to pass it on to you, so that you can enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish in your own home.

To make Broccoli with Lemon Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets

- 2 tablespoons of butter

- 2 tablespoons of flour

- 1 cup of chicken broth

- The juice of 1 lemon

- Salt and pepper to taste

To start, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still has a bit of crunch. Drain the broccoli and set aside.

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it is golden brown.

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps that may form. Continue to cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Next, stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasonings to taste. Continue to cook the sauce for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Finally, add the cooked broccoli to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for a few more minutes, until the broccoli is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Serve the Broccoli with Lemon Sauce hot, garnished with a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this delicious and healthy dish as a side to your favorite main course, or even as a light and satisfying meal on its own.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe as much as I have over the years. May it bring you joy and satisfaction, just as it has brought me. Happy cooking!