It may have Italian roots (even if we don’t eat that part of it), but broccoli is a firm favourite amongst Brits. Don’t believe us? According to a recent survey by Diabetes UK who were seeking which vegetable was the nation’s favourite – it came out on top with an impressive 12% of the vote.[1] If you’re doubting its crown, then we can point to several reasons why it came top of the pile. Firstly, it has a taste that is distinctive and delicious by itself, but not too overbearing that it will overpower any other flavours that you try to integrate into your dish.
Another huge plus is its versatility – whether you’re chucking broccoli into a stir fry or simply serving it up alongside some of Birds Eye’s finest frozen fish or frozen chicken for an easy midweek meal – it’ll be a treat for all the family to enjoy. What’s more, it’s a solid source of good stuff for you including vitamin C, folic acid and fibre. But how do you cook up this this national treasure we hear you ask? Luckily for you, we have three super easy ways you can enjoy this bastion of greenery.
[1] http://www.braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk/news/national/15349219.Broccoli is named the country's favourite vegetable/
How to microwave Birds Eye Steamfresh Romanesco Broccoli, Garden Peas & Spinach
We understand how tricky it can be to hit your five-a-day, which is why we’re giving you a helping hand. Worried about prep work? Don’t be. Simply delve into your freezer to discover a combo pack featuringBirds Eye Steamfresh Romanesco Broccoli, Garden Peas & Spinach for when you’re ravenous. Alongside those florets of joy are our famous garden peas as well as spinach leaves if you’re looking to emulate Popeye! Here are the steps to take it from the freezer to the dinner table:
- Open the outer bag once you’ve pulled this combo pack out the freezer.
- Remove the pyramid bag(s) and leave the green corner facing upwards but unopened, before placing it in the microwave.
- If you happen to be heating up more than one bag at the same the same time, then be sure that they’re not overlapping, before giving the bags a good hearty shake midway through cooking.
- Don’t pierce the bag, and make sure you don’t microwave the outer packaging either!
- FULL POWER:
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1 bag |
2 bags |
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700W |
3 mins |
5 mins |
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800W |
3 mins |
5 mins |
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900W |
2 ½ mins |
4 ½ mins |
- Allow to stand for 1 minute, before taking the bag out of the microwave, shaking then cutting the bag open to serve.
- Be careful as you do this – those veggies will be piping hot!
How to roast broccoli
Roasted broccoli is a contemporary twist on how you can cook up a crown of this lovely green. Unlike any other way of cooking broccoli, this will give it a crispy edge that is hard to beat. This side dish is so sensationally tasty that it really does merit a slot alongside a Birds Eye product of your choice!
5 minutes preparation time/20 minutes cooking time
Serves: 4
Ingredients: 1 large bunch of broccoli/Olive oil/2 Cloves of Garlic
- Pre-heat your oven to 200C/Fan 180C/Gas 6.
- Wash your broccoli before drying it thoroughly – remember you want it to be coming out the oven full of crispy goodness, and this will give you the best chance of that!
- Remove any leaves before cutting the florets off. Gone are the days of discriminating against stalks – simply peel and dice to get the most out of your broc!
- Cover a baking tray with parchment before placing your florets and diced pieces of stalk on it.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, before adding crushed garlic.
- Put it in the oven for 20 minutes before bringing them out to serve immediately.
Top tip: To add a little extra bite, sprinkle with chilli flakes if you’re feeling daring!
How to boil broccoli
On the hunt for a more conventional way to cook up your broc? What about sticking it on the boil? It’s a simple, quick way to get that classic broccoli taste which has a softer texture than its roasted counterpart, so this may be a better option for smaller teeth!
5 minutes preparation time/7 minutes cooking time
Serves: 4
Ingredients: 1 large bunch of broccoli
- Again, wash that broccoli!
- Take off any leaves and cut the florets off. Keep hold of that stalk before peeling and dicing to make the best use of your bunch!
- Bring a pan of water with salt already added to the boil.
- Put in your diced stalk for two minutes – this is a harder part of the broccoli so needs a little longer in the heat.
- Then add your florets, and leave both in the pan together for 4-5 minutes.
- Drain the pan into a colander and it’s ready to be served!
So the next time you’re seeking out a veg that will suit all the family, we hope that you’ll turn to our beloved broccoli. If you’re looking for another “how to”, check out our Cooking Tips for further inspiration!