This broccoli recipe would have had Bush 41 eating it! It’ll work on your kids too. The number of servings says four, but I can eat the whole thing at one time.

Caramelizing is the process of cooking sugar until it browns. Caramelization of vegetables (or fruits) is the browning of their natural sugars, a process used extensively in cooking for the resulting in a sweet nutty flavor and brown color. The brown colors are produced by three groups of polymers: caramelans, caramelens, and caramelins. This elevates the vegetable’s natural flavor while adding sweetness and caramel-brown color.

EQUIPMENT: cast iron skillet, chef’s knife, wooden cutting board

Caramelized Broccoli with Sesame and Lemon

Recipe by Anna Stockel Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Caramelizing the broccoli is the browning of its natural sugars, a process used extensively in cooking and resulting in a sweet nutty flavor and brown color.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 heads of broccoli, stems peeled, and halved lengthwise

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic from jar

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper chili flakes

• sea salt

• freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 Meyer lemon, juiced

• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

Directions

• Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. Add the broccoli, cut side down, and sauté over moderate heat until nicely browned on the bottom.
• Add the water, cover, and cook until the broccoli is just tender, still bright green, and the water has evaporated. It is important that it stay bright green.
• Add sesame oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring often, uncovered until the garlic is golden brown.
• Season the broccoli with salt and black pepper, drizzle with the lemon juice, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve.