How and how much to cook broccoli

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Everything about how to choose, cut and boil a vegetable in a saucepan, microwave or slow cooker.

How to choose broccoli

Both fresh and frozen cabbage should be a rich green color. If the inflorescences are yellow, then the vegetable is overripe or deteriorated. Overripe broccoli will not taste good, and spoiled broccoli simply cannot be eaten.

Choose heads of fresh cabbage that are not overly large. Make sure the inflorescences fit snugly together and are elastic. And remember, broccoli withers pretty quickly outdoors. Therefore, if you want the freshest vegetables, take copies without cellophane.

The frozen broccoli should not have too much ice and snow.

How to prepare broccoli

Frozen broccoli does not need preparation. It does not need to be defrosted and washed first. If you do this, the cabbage will soften and become ugly. The inflorescences should only be cleaned of snow lumps, if any.

Rinse fresh broccoli thoroughly under running water. First, remove the bottom of the stem and leaves from the head. Then cut off the inflorescences. If they are large, you can disassemble them into smaller ones.

The stem is also edible. Cut off the scions from it and peel with a vegetable peeler. Chop into small pieces or chop into strips.

How much to cook fresh and frozen broccoli

Fresh and frozen broccoli are boiled at the same time. But if there is a lot of ice on the inflorescences, you will have to cook them a little longer.

The number of minutes depends on the selected cooking method. In this case, it is important not only to follow the recommendations, but also to monitor the vegetable.

Ready broccoli can be easily pierced with a knife or fork, but at the same time it keeps its shape and does not fall apart. If you digest the cabbage, it will become too soft and unappetizing, and the color will turn from bright green to olive.

How to cook broccoli in a saucepan

In water

Place broccoli in boiling water. If desired, the water can be salted to taste. Reduce heat to medium.

Cooking time depends on what kind of cabbage you want to get:

• crispy broccoli - 1, 5–2 minutes of cooking;
• slightly crispy broccoli - 3-4 minutes;
• soft broccoli, 6-8 minutes.

Dip the finished cabbage in ice water for a minute. This will stop the cooking process and keep the vegetable bright.

For a couple

Boil water in a saucepan. Place a colander or steaming rack on top. It should not touch the water.

Place in a colander or broccoli stand and cover. Cook the cabbage over medium heat for 5-10 minutes. The longer it is over steam, the softer it will become.

How to cook broccoli in a slow cooker

In water

Place broccoli in a bowl and add water. It should not completely cover the vegetable. Close the lid of the multicooker. Set the Multi Cook mode and the temperature to 100 ° C.

Boil the cabbage for 5-7 minutes.

For a couple

Put some water in a bowl, place a steaming container on top and put the cabbage there.

Close the lid of the multicooker. Steam broccoli for 5-10 minutes.

How to cook broccoli in the microwave

Place the broccoli in a deep microwave safe container. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of water.

Cover the cabbage with a plate and microwave. Cook at full power for 2-4 minutes. As a reminder, the longer broccoli is cooked, the softer it will be.