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Grilled, baked or roasted, it's usually parked on the side of all your restaurant dishes. Dark green in colour with crisp and sturdy florets, broccoli is one of the most nutritious vegetables and also, rather exotic.
President Barack Obama would agree with our analysis. A little while ago, at a state dinner in the White House he rated broccoli as his favourite vegetable. Broccoli also ranks as the world's fifth most popular vegetable. Many would disagree with this theory and one person we're sure definitely would is George Bush, America's 43rd President. He went so far as to ban it from being served at Air Force One and was quoted saying,"I haven't liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. I'm President of the United States, and I'm NOT going to eat any more broccoli.''
Broccoli is one of those unique vegetables that have a colourful and well documented history. Writings from the late 1900s mention purple broccoli which is slightly wild looking and grows on slender, somewhat slick stems. Broccoli is actually part of the cabbage family and its name comes from the Italian word "broccolo", the flowering top of the cabbage plant. It is said that broccoli was first cultivated about 2000 years ago in Europe and was brought to other countries by Italians.
(Why we should be eating more broccoli)
How to prepare broccoli: Some would say broccoli is boring but reality is far from it. Broccoli is juicy, fresh, firm and needs to be cooked right. Plonking broccoli in boiling water breaks down its cells faster than other cooking methods. It also creates an odd smell. So if you're short on time, dice the broccoli, lace it with olive oil and salt and throw it in the oven.You could also grill, saute or bake broccoli florets. After cooking broccoli make sure you let off steam and let the florets absorb the flavour and not get soggy.
7 Health Benefits of Eating Broccoli
Broccoli is no ordinary vegetable. It's a complete powerhouse of nutrition.
1. Boosts your immune system: Just about half a cup of broccoli a day can leave you energized.
2. Prevents cancer: Studies show that the antioxidants in broccoli have the ability to fight off cancer cells, especially the ones that cause melanoma, certain types of leukemia and prostate cancer. It is also known to work against stomach and intestinal cancer.
(Broccoli may speed up cancer recovery)
3. Prevents Osteoarthritis: Broccoli is known to be rich in a compound called sulfophane which is known to fight cartilage-destroying enzymes and also work as an anti-inflammatory.
4. Promotes heart health: The anti-inflammatory properties of broccoli help protect blood vessels in the heart and keep it healthy.
5. High in fiber which helps lower cholesterol and aids digestion.
6. Good for the eyes: Broccoli has two compounds - lutein and zeaxanthin that help improve eyesight.
7. Broccoli is extremely rich in Vitamin C which builds collagen, helps heal wounds and cuts faster and protects the body from damaging free radicals. It also helps skin from sun damage and lets it repair itself.
10 ways to cook broccoli
We've shortlisted 10 recipes on the basis of ease, taste and flavour to make sure you get to try only the best versions of this super veggie.
Recipe by Chef Manju Malhi
Broccoli clubbed with fresh, creamy cheese to prepare an easy, no-fuss, hassle-free bake.
2.Broccoli Salad with French Dressing
Recipe by Chef Manju Malhi
Crispy broccoli florets, celery, carrots and bell peppers tossed together and drizzled with a French dressing in this refreshing salad.
3.Buttermilk Chicken with Chargrilled Broccoli
Recipe by Chef Joey Matthew
Chicken in smooth buttermilk is cooked to perfection and served with chilli and garlic sauce, almond flakes and a huge portion of freshly grilled broccoli.
Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta
Tamarind, pepper, masalas, curry leaves and 20 minutes is all you need for this gorgeous broccoli.
Recipe by Chef Vicky Ratnani
A creamy broccoli sauce, some glazed and grated cheese, bread crumbs and melted butter.
Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta
Thick, creamy, healthy and perfect to tuck in with during winter.
Recipe by Chef Massimiliano Orlati, Olive Bar & Kitchen, New Delhi
Broccoli, chilli, cheese and pasta is all it takes to make this 15 minute meal.
8.Steamed Salmon in Asian Dressing with Broccoli
Recipe by Chef Joey Matthew
Steamed salmon covered with a blanket of onions, garlic, ginger and groundnut oil. Paired with blanched broccoli that is tossed with sesame seeds, soy and ginger dressing.
9.Roasted Bell Pepper with Broccoli Salad
Recipe by Chef Vicky Ratnani
Yellow and red peppers, broccoli and spring onions, all tossed together with some mild seasoning and crunchy apricots.
Recipe by Chef Nikhil and Chef Natasha
A French soup with a spicy Asian twist.
