Spice up your broccoli

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, I’m sure: I love broccoli. I really think I could eat it every night of my life and I’d be okay with it. I love it that much. Sometimes, though, I do like to do something different with it. As much as I like it simply steamed, pan sauteed, or roasted, there are still times when a little something more to spice it up is a welcome change. The other night was exactly one of those times.

I was cooking some red meat and wanted a nice side of broccoli to go with it, but I wanted something just a little different. What I came up with was a really flavorful, spicy side dish that’s super, super simple to make. Behold:

Spicy Broccoli with Toasted Garlic

Ingredients:

2 heads of broccoli (or whatever amount of broccoli you want to cook)
1 clove of garlic (this is to taste, whether you want more or less, go with your heart)
1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper
extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat a large saute pan over medium high heat. Chop the broccoli into bit size florets (or you can be lazy like me and by the pre-chopped organic florets from your local Whole Foods Market). Add about a tablespoon of olive oil into the pan, followed by the broccoli. Slice the garlic thin into small pieces and add to the broccoli along with the crushed red pepper. Toss all the ingredients together in the pan. Saute the broccoli, stirring often, until the broccoli softens and begins to brown. The garlic will get nice and brown, adding that distinct and lovely flavor of toasted garlic to the broccoli.

Next time you need a little change up with broccoli, give this recipe a shot. It’s quick, simple, and delicious.