Broccoli is one of the most nutritious vegetables, packed with sulforaphane, vitamin A, beta carotene and other health-promoting phytonutrients. It’s also a good source of calcium and fiber, both soluble and insoluble varieties. It helps fight cancer within the body and keeps eyes healthy by preventing cataracts and glaucoma, and promotes healthy skin, teeth and bones.
The leaves are a superfood themselves, with even more vitamin A and beta carotene than the florets, and the stems contain many of the same phytonutrients as the florets, and can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be mixed into salads, added to soups or steamed to make broccoli stir-fries.
Harvest the heads of broccoli while they are still large and compact but before the flower buds open up. This helps to keep the broccoli from bolting and becoming bitter. It also gives you a head of broccoli that’s a bit smaller, which makes it easier to eat.
Getting Broccoli to Grow
A sunny spot with good soil drainage is key for growing broccoli. The plant prefers temperatures in the range of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, though it can handle much higher temperatures if conditions are right. It needs six to eight hours of sun each day and a deep, well-drained soil that has been amended with organic matter. If you don’t have a suitable garden site, you can grow broccoli in containers.
Soaking the Harvest
Before you harvest broccoli, give it a quick soak in warm water to flush out any insects. Then, cut it into spears and blanch in boiling water for just a minute or two to avoid losing too much of its crispiness. Then, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Toss Noodles with Broccoli and Sauce
These noodles are easy to throw together in no time and they’re delicious tossed with a sweet, salty, spicy sauce. They’re a perfect weeknight meal and can be made with any type of noodles, including gluten-free ones.
Use Tahini to Make a Spicy Sauce
Toss rice noodles and broccoli in a pan with tahini, garlic, ginger and mirin (sweet Asian wine). Add a sprinkle of fresh scallions and sesame seeds and serve at room temperature.
You can also use a spicy sesame sauce, like Sriracha or sambal oelek. Just be sure to season the sauce with salt and pepper before adding the noodles so that it’s not too greasy.
Simple Mushroom Broccoli Stir Fry Noodles with Tahini Sauce
These simple mushrooms and broccoli stir fry noodles are a great way to introduce kids to this delicious, nutritious veggie. They are also a great side dish to serve for any occasion.
Step 3: Cook Pasta and Broccoli Noodles
To make these noodles, boil the pasta in a pot of salted water until tender. Drain, reserving a cup or so of pasta water to toss with the sauce. Toss the cooked noodles with the sauce and add the charred broccoli and some fresh scallions and cilantro, if using.