Lemon Pepper Broccoli
Lemon Pepper Broccoli Recipe - Healthy and Delicious
Introduction
Lemon Pepper Broccoli is a delicious and healthy side dish that is perfect for any meal. The combination of fresh broccoli, zesty lemon peel, and spicy crushed red pepper creates a flavorful dish that is sure to please your taste buds.
History
This recipe is a modern twist on traditional broccoli dishes, adding a burst of citrus flavor with the addition of lemon peel. The use of crushed red pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the lemon perfectly.
Ingredients
- 4 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp freshly grated lemon peel
- 0.13 tsp crushed red pepper
- 0.13 tsp salt
How to prepare
- Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Place broccoli in a vegetable steamer and set it into the saucepan.
- Cover and cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove the steamer insert and let the broccoli drain.
- Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add lemon peel and crushed red pepper, and stir until the peel begins to brown.
- Add broccoli and salt, and stir until hot.
Variations
- Add sliced almonds or pine nuts for added crunch.
- Substitute lime zest for lemon zest for a different citrus flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure not to overcook the broccoli, as it can become mushy and lose its vibrant green color.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lemon Pepper Broccoli alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal.
- Pair with quinoa or brown rice for added protein and fiber.
Cooking Techniques
Steaming the broccoli helps retain its vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Sautéing the lemon peel and crushed red pepper in olive oil enhances their flavors before adding the broccoli.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use broccoli rabe or broccolini in place of traditional broccoli florets.
- Substitute avocado oil or coconut oil for olive oil.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the lemon pepper seasoning in advance and store in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Steam the broccoli ahead of time and reheat in a skillet with the lemon pepper seasoning when ready to serve.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices for a pop of color. - Serve Lemon Pepper Broccoli in a decorative serving dish for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Serve alongside a light and refreshing salad with a citrus vinaigrette dressing.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
- 80 calories per serving
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
Fats
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 3g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin C: 135% DV
- Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 4% DV
Alergens
This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.
Summary
This Lemon Pepper Broccoli recipe is low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and nutritious side dish option.
Summary
Lemon Pepper Broccoli is a simple yet flavorful side dish that is easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. With a zesty lemon kick and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a hot summer day, and I was at a friend's house for a cookout. As we all sat around the table enjoying the delicious spread of grilled meats and fresh salads, my friend's grandmother brought out a dish of Lemon Pepper Broccoli. The vibrant green broccoli was coated in a zesty lemon pepper seasoning that made my mouth water just looking at it.
I asked my friend's grandmother for the recipe, and she smiled warmly before telling me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. She explained how she had learned to make it from her own grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The tradition of making Lemon Pepper Broccoli had been carried on in their family for as long as anyone could remember.
I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. The combination of fresh broccoli, tangy lemon, and spicy pepper was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I was determined to bring this recipe into my own repertoire of dishes that I could share with my own family and friends.
After that fateful day, I started experimenting with different variations of the recipe. I tried adding in some garlic for extra flavor, or swapping out the lemon for lime for a different twist. I spent hours in the kitchen perfecting the balance of flavors until I finally had a version of Lemon Pepper Broccoli that I was proud to call my own.
Over the years, I have shared this recipe with countless people. Whether it's at a family gathering, a potluck with friends, or just a weeknight dinner at home, Lemon Pepper Broccoli has become a staple in my kitchen. And every time I make it, I think back to that sunny day at my friend's house and the magical moment when I first tasted this incredible dish.
I have since passed on the recipe to my own children and grandchildren, keeping the tradition alive for yet another generation. And as I watch them make Lemon Pepper Broccoli in their own kitchens, I can't help but feel a sense of pride knowing that this simple dish has connected us all in a way that only food can.
So the next time you're looking for a new side dish to try, I encourage you to give Lemon Pepper Broccoli a chance. It may just become a beloved recipe in your own family, passed down from generation to generation with love and care. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be the one telling the story of how you first learned to make it, just like I did.