Steaming Broccoli: Adding Cheese For A Delicious Twist

Broccoli and cheese is a classic pairing that is both delicious and nutritious. This side dish is quick and easy to make, taking less than 15 minutes from start to finish. The key to preserving the vibrant green colour and crisp texture of the broccoli is to steam it gently for no more than 7 minutes. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets, cutting them into evenly sized pieces if using fresh broccoli. Simply steam the broccoli in a pan, steamer basket, or microwave, then top with a simple homemade cheese sauce or grated hard cheese.

How to prepare broccoli for steaming

The first step in preparing broccoli for steaming is to wash the broccoli thoroughly. This helps to remove any dirt or grit that may be present on the vegetable.

Next, you'll want to cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can do this by trimming off the stalk and breaking the crown into smaller pieces. If desired, you can also peel and dice the stalk to include in your meal or save it for another use, such as making broccoli rice.

Once the broccoli is cut into florets, it's a good idea to rinse it again to ensure any remaining dirt or grit is removed. After rinsing, simply place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket and follow your chosen recipe's instructions for cooking.

It's important to note that broccoli cooks very quickly, so it's crucial not to overcook it. The bright green colour will start to turn olive green after about seven minutes of cooking, so it's best to set a timer for five to six minutes and check the broccoli with a fork to see if it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.

By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to perfectly steamed broccoli that's crisp-tender and ready to be enjoyed as a healthy and delicious side dish.

How to make a cheese sauce

A cheese sauce is a great way to add flavour to steamed broccoli. This is how you can make a delicious cheese sauce in a few simple steps.

Ingredients

You will need milk, cornstarch, shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little extra heat.

Method

First, whisk together the milk and cornstarch in a skillet. Place the skillet on the heat and whisk the mixture until it thickens. Once it has thickened, add the cheese and stir until it has melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little added heat.

Tips

• Make sure to whisk the sauce slowly so that all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Cook the cheese sauce on low heat.
• You can also add other ingredients to the sauce, such as Dijon mustard, to add extra depth of flavour.
• If you want a thicker sauce, you can add more cheese.

Serving

Pour the cheese sauce over steamed broccoli and serve. You can also serve the broccoli and cheese sauce separately, allowing people to add as much sauce as they like. Enjoy!

How to steam broccoli

Steaming broccoli is a simple and quick way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It is also a gentle cooking method that helps retain the crisp texture and bright colour of the broccoli. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam broccoli:

Preparation:

First, prepare the broccoli by rinsing it under water. Cut off the stalk and trim the stems towards the floret part of the vegetable. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can also peel and dice the stalk and steam it along with the florets, or save it for another use such as making broccoli rice or a stir-fry.

Cooking:

There are a few different ways to steam broccoli:

• Using a steamer basket: Place the broccoli florets (and diced stalk, if using) in a steamer basket and set it over a pot with 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a simmer, cover, and let the broccoli steam for 5 minutes, or until tender.
• Using a shallow pan: Add the broccoli and a bit of water to a shallow pan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and steam for 3-6 minutes, depending on the size of the florets.
• In the microwave: You can also steam broccoli in the microwave, although no specific instructions are given for this method.

Seasoning:

Once the broccoli is steamed, you can season it with salt, pepper, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also dress it with butter, mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, seasoned rice vinegar, toasted almonds, or sesame seeds.

How to cook broccoli in a microwave

Ingredients

You can use either frozen or fresh broccoli spears or florets. If you are using fresh broccoli, make sure to cut or break the broccoli into evenly sized pieces or sections.

Method

Firstly, rinse the broccoli and trim the stems towards the floret part of the vegetable. If you like, you can also peel, dice, and steam the stalk. Otherwise, save it for another use, such as a stir-fry.

Next, place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket and set it over a pot with 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a simmer, cover, and let steam for 5-6 minutes, until the broccoli is tender. You can also use a microwave-safe dish with a little water in it to steam the broccoli in the microwave.

Once the broccoli is cooked, you can add cheese to make a delicious, cheesy side dish. Simply sprinkle grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the broccoli and microwave again until the cheese is melted.

Tips

• Don't steam the broccoli for more than 7 minutes, or it will overcook and turn olive green.
• Season with salt, pepper, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Try adding other vegetables, such as carrots or mushrooms, to the steamer with the broccoli.
• If you want to make a cheese sauce, whisk milk and cornstarch in a skillet, then place it on the heat and whisk until thickened. Add cheese and stir until melted, then season with salt and pepper.

How to serve steamed broccoli

There are many ways to serve steamed broccoli. It is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of other foods and flavours. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to serve steamed broccoli, with some tips and suggestions for making it a delicious side dish.

Preparation

First, prepare the broccoli by rinsing it and cutting it into bite-sized florets. You can also peel and dice the stalk, or save it for another use such as stir-fry or broccoli rice. If you are using fresh broccoli, ensure that the pieces are evenly sized for even cooking.

Cooking

Add the broccoli florets to a steamer basket placed in a saucepan with about an inch of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Let the broccoli steam for around 5 minutes, or until it is tender but still crisp, and bright green in colour.

Seasoning

Once the broccoli is cooked, you can season it with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. You can also try other seasonings such as olive oil, lemon vinaigrette, vegan ranch, honey mustard dressing, or romesco sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Steamed broccoli makes a great healthy side dish and pairs well with a variety of main courses. Try serving it with a frittata, baked potato or sweet potato, vegan meatballs, soup, or pasta. It can also be added to grain bowls or tossed with noodles. For a simple and classic option, dot the broccoli with butter or sprinkle with finely grated hard cheese, such as Parmesan, Pecorino, or Asiago.

Cheese Sauce

For an extra indulgent touch, serve the steamed broccoli with a cheese sauce. You can make a basic cheese sauce by whisking milk and cornstarch in a skillet over medium heat until thickened, then adding shredded cheese and stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the cheese sauce over the steamed broccoli for a delicious and comforting side dish.

Frequently asked questions