Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan
Servings 2
Equipment
- Small Baking Sheet
- Large saucepan
Ingredients
Lemon Garlic Aioli:
- ¼ cup mayo
- Zest and juice from ½ large lemon or more to taste
- 1 clove of garlic minced
Parmesan Broccoli Chips:
- 1 small crown of broccoli cut into large florets
- ½ parmesan cheese shredded, or more if needed
- Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
- Onion powder to taste
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Line a small rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the lemon garlic aioli by combining the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small glass jar and stirring until well mixed; set aside to allow the flavors time to mingle.
- Blanch the broccoli by bringing a large saucepan of well-salted water (halfway full) to a boil. Add the large florets and blanch the broccoli for 1-2 minutes, strain, and transfer to a plate lined with a clean dish towel or a few paper towels; dry well.
- Sprinkle the prepared small baking sheet evenly with parmesan cheese in a thin, even layer.
- Next, transfer the broccoli on top of the cheese, slightly spacing them out so there is room to mash them.
- Take the bottom of a small glass jar and smash the broccoli pieces down firmly.
- Season the broccoli tops with crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. to taste.
- Bake the cheesy broccoli by placing the baking sheet in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese has turned golden brown and the broccoli is turning crispy.
- Remove from the oven, allow it to cool slightly, then break apart and serve immediately with the lemon garlic aioli on the side. Enjoy.