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Friday Night Side: Garlic & Parmesan Broccoli

by on ‎01-27-2014 01:23 PM

My Friday Night Meal this week revolves around fresh flavors.  When it comes to fish, I usually want a clean flavor with a delicate but slightly firm texture.  One of my favorite types of fish is Australis Barramundi Sea Bass.  In my opinion, it is more delicious than most restaurant fish dishes, and there are many ways to prepare it. 


 


My favorite is the baking method, because it's so quick and easy.  The hard part is coming up with a good side dish to go with it.  My family loves broccoli, but I'm always looking for ways to serve it that don't involve a salad.  This recipe is really full of flavor, and the bright pop of fresh lemon definitely adds to the dish.  Plus, the intense green color looks beautiful on the plate!


 


Garlic & Parmesan Broccoli:


 


1 head of broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets


3 tablespoons olive oil


3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced


1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice


1/2 teaspoon salt


Pinch of cayenne (optional)


1/3 cup very finely grated Parmesan (a Microplane grater is perfect for this!)


 


 In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the broccoli until tender, but not too soft, about 2 minutes. Drain.


In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring until fragrant and beginning to turn golden, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Add the lemon juice, salt, and cayenne then stir to combine. Add the broccoli and cook until warmed through and coated with the infused oil.  Toss with the Parmesan and enjoy!


 



 


Tip:  If you don't like mushy broccoli, leave it in the water for less time rather than more.


Also, if you don't want big slices of garlic, you can mince it instead.  Just make sure you sauté it for only a minute, or watch it very carefully. If the small pieces burn, the garlic will just turn bitter.


I hope you love this flavorful side dish!  If there are any recipes you would like to share just leave them here.  I may be able to show them live on the air during The Wishful Dish on Mondays at 5pm!