Smashed Broccoli (With Feta!)
Win over all the broccoli haters in your life with this 4-ingredient (plus seasoning!) crispy smashed broccoli with tangy feta cheese. It makes an irresistible side dish or vegetarian lunch, or a 'broccoli chip' appetizer that's excellent served with a dip.
Servings: 4 as a side dish or appetizer
Ingredients
- 12 ounces broccoli (or 1 large head) broken into medium sized florets and washed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (or another favorite dried herb such as oregano or thyme)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 3.5 ounces feta cheese (authentic Greek brands are best) parmesan works as well
- lemon juice for squeezing over at the end
Instructions
- Parboil the broccoli florets in a very large saucepan or pot for 6 to 8 minutes or until softened enough to squash with a masher or fork but without them breaking.12 ounces broccoli
- Drain the broccoli in a large colander. Let the florets steam dry for a minute or two.
- Blot the florets with kitchen paper or a clean tea towel to make them as dry as possible. Then scatter them over a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
- Now pre-heat the oven to 425F/220C (in a fan oven - if using a conventional oven increase to 445F/230C) Use a potato masher, the bottom of a glass or cup, or just a fork, to push down on the broccoli florets and flatten them.
- Drizzle the olive oil all over the florets. Then mix together the seasoning and scatter evenly over too.2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Lastly, pile half to two thirds of the crumbled feta onto the flattened broccoli and roast for 20 to 25 minutes or until the feta is browned and the edges of the broccoli are crisped. Keep a close eye on the broccoli towards the end of the cooking time to make sure it isn't burning.3.5 ounces feta cheese
- Squeeze lemon juice over the broccoli (to taste), then sprinkle over the rest of the fresh feta cheese (again, to taste). Then serve immediately while still hot and crisp.lemon juice
Notes
Optional: Add a pinch of chili or red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a version with a slight kick.
To reheat: Reheat in a frying pan on the stovetop on a medium heat for 2 to 4 minutes on each side or until hot and lightly crisp again. Or you can bake it or air fry it at 375°F (190°C) for around 5 to 7 minutes. If you don't mind it not being crispy, microwave it instead.
Nutrition
Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 481mg | Potassium: 287mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 591IU | Vitamin C: 76mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 1mg
