Broccoli is a fantastic vegetable that is often overlooked but with this tasty side dish, you can take any meal to new heights
This side dish is perfect for a special occasion: combining rich gruyere, parmesan and grated truffle. The delicious crunch of tenderstem broccoli is complemented by a smooth white sauce and a crisp topping of chestnuts and breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
- 300g tenderstem broccoli
- 30g butter
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 150ml semi-skimmed milk
- 15g grated gruyère cheese
- 15g grated parmesan, plus extra for the topping
- 1 handful of cooked chestnuts, chopped
- 1 handful of panko breadcrumbs
- 1 Grated truffle, to serve
Method
- Blanch the tenderstem broccoli in salted boiling water for 2 minutes until it is bright green and still has some crunch. Drain and set aside.
- Put a small non-stick saucepan on a low heat and melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Once combined, slowly add the milk bit by bit, and continue stirring to avoid lumps. Keep adding the milk until completely combined, resulting in a thick, smooth sauce.
- When all the milk is added bring the sauce to the boil, allow the bubbles to burst on the surface of the sauce for a few seconds, to ensure the flour is cooked.
- Take the pan off the heat and add the grated gruyère and half of the parmesan, and stir to combine.
- Preheat the grill to medium. Place the cooked tenderstem broccoli in a heat-proof dish, then spread over the cheese sauce. Top with the chopped chestnuts and breadcrumbs, add grated parmesan, then place under the grill to crisp up the breadcrumbs.
- Once browned, remove from the grill and finish with grated truffle.
If you don’t have time to make this dish, try out these other methods of eating your greens:
Raw (0 mins)
If you enjoy the taste of tenderstem you can eat it raw for a fresh and crunchy snack. Simply give it a wash and enjoy with some hummus, a creamy cheese sauce or just on its own.
Boiled (3-4 mins)
Add washed tenderstem to a pan of boiling water for 3 – 4 mins. You can test the stem for tenderness to your liking with a sharp knife. Drain and serve.
Griddled (8 – 10 mins) / GRILL (8 mins) / BBQ (3 mins)
Wash your tenderstem and coat with a small amount of oil. Add to a hot griddle pan or BBQ and cook for around 8 – 10 minutes. You’re looking to achieve a little bit of charring to the stem and florets to bring out a delicious nutty flavour. Try serving with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon.
Steamed (3-4 mins)
Bring some water to the boil in your plan and place your washed tenderstem on top in a steamer pan. Steam for 3 – 4 minutes. The tenderstem broccoli should turn bright green and tender when it’s ready.
Stir-fried (5 mins)
Wash your tenderstem and cut the stems into smaller chunks. Add to a hot wok and a little bit of oil and fry for 5 minutes, add some seasoning as it cooks and have fun with flavours.
Roasted (12 – 15 mins)
Add some washed Tenderstem to a roasting dish and drizzle with a little oil. Roast for 12 – 15 mins at 180 degrees. Season to your liking and serve. Visit tenderstem.ie for recipe inspiration.
Air-fried (6 – 8 minutes)
Lightly oil your washed tenderstem broccoli and stir fry to evenly coat. Air fry at 180 degrees, add some seasoning and salt to serve or get creative!
