A food writer shared a simple two-ingredient trick that makes broccoli and other vegetables taste better in just five minutes
A food writer shared a simple two-ingredient trick that makes broccoli and other vegetables taste better in just five minutes(Image: bhofack2 via Getty Images)
Few things divide opinion quite like vegetables, and persuading family and friends to eat them can often feel like an uphill battle. They can be watery and lacking in flavour, but there is a straightforward method to make the likes of broccoli far more appealing and delicious at mealtimes.
Food writer Kris Osborne recently revealed her two-ingredient upgrade for making broccoli considerably more interesting, which takes just five minutes to prepare. Kris wrote for Simply Recipes: “Like most people, I don’t necessarily need (or want) another way to cook broccoli; I just want the broccoli I already cook to be more interesting.”
What’s more, the addition is so effortless that you can prepare a whole batch and use it to liven up a variety of bland vegetables and other dishes. The simple addition that can completely transform uninspiring veggies is garlic panko breadcrumbs.
They take around five minutes to prepare and can instantly make “ordinary” vegetables crunchy, salty and altogether more flavoursome.
How to make broccoli taste better
There are two key ingredients to this culinary hack: panko breadcrumbs and garlic. To really bring out their flavour, you will need just a handful of kitchen staples, including olive oil, salt, and pepper, reports the Express.
To prepare the breadcrumbs, pour a quarter of a cup (approximately 60ml) of olive oil into a frying pan or skillet over a medium heat, before adding one cup (50g) of the panko breadcrumbs. Cook the breadcrumbs, stirring continuously, until they turn fragrant and develop a golden hue.
Take off the heat and incorporate one medium-sized garlic clove, either grated or crushed. Kris explained: “Adding it off the heat lets the residual warmth soften the garlic’s bite without scorching it.”
Once the garlic begins to release its aroma, season the panko breadcrumbs with salt and pepper. Combine everything thoroughly.
Leave the panko breadcrumbs to cool down entirely before placing them in an airtight container.
When elevating your vegetables, simply sprinkle a spoonful of the crumbs over the top just before serving. They are particularly effective with steamed or roasted vegetables.
Beyond broccoli, the breadcrumbs complement vegetables including green beans, sautéed asparagus, and whole-roasted cauliflower. They can also enhance other dishes such as cauliflower cheese and pasta dishes, including mac and cheese.
The breadcrumbs also serve as an excellent foundation for incorporating various flavours — you are not limited to garlic alone. Kris said: “If I feel like varying the flavour, I’ll keep the breadcrumbs the same, but may add lemon juice, chili flakes, or freshly grated Parmesan to the vegetables before the breadcrumbs.
“I love that I don’t have to rethink the seasoning or find a new recipe. The crispy bits add enough change to make it feel fresh.
“If your side dishes are feeling boring, a batch of these garlicky breadcrumbs is an easy-and dare I say delicious-way to breathe new life into your dinner routine.”
