Were you one of those children who absolutely refused to eat their broccoli? Maybe you were turned off by its appearance — little green trees with green trunks might not be the most appetizing thing in a child’s eye. Or, maybe it was the way it was prepared. Most of uslikely only experienced flavorful broccoli when it was included in stir-frys from Chinese restaurants or during the holidayswhen broccoli covered in cheese is a popular side. Other than that, our encounter with broccoli was probably a sorry one — plain and steamed, with not so much of a pinch of flavor. Not to say that we don’t love plain broccoli, but it’s definitely not dressed to impress our palates.
Until recently, when it came to meal time, vegetables always sat on the sidelines while proteins dominated the field. Instead of asking ourselves “what’s so good about broccoli?” we end up wondering how we could ever turn up our noses anytime someone so much as mentioned this delicious, cruciferous green veg. Broccoli is so versatile. You can make cutlets, like these Lentil Broccoli Cutlets or comforting meals like this Easy Green Casserole. Italso packs quite a nutritional punch; it’s high in Vitamin K and Vitamin C and it’s also rich in folate, chromium, folate, and fiber and has anti-inflammatory properties.
If you’re trapped in a rut of pushing broccoli to the side or if you can never have enough broccoli, then we’re here for you. Try these 15 recipes from our Food Monster App that bring out the best in broccoli!
1. Baked Broccoli Burgers
Source: Baked Broccoli Burgers
Tired of the same ol’ bean-based veggie burgers? Try Nikki Haney‘s Baked Broccoli Burgers! Made from couscous, broccoli, and chickpeas, they are packed full of flavor and topped with a lemony, garlicky tahini sauce. You won’t be able to get over how good these taste one you take a bite — luckily, they’re easy to make.
2. Campfire Broccoli and Chickpea Curry
Source: Campfire Broccoli and Chickpea Curry
Get your campfire ready for something new! Alix Niblett‘s Campfire Broccoli and Chickpea Curry will give you all the energy you need for outdoor camping fun and activities. It’s simmered with fresh broccoli, yellow bell pepper, and chickpeas, and swirled with creamy coconut milk. Serve with a side of rice and follow it up with some campfire treats!
3. Penne With Broccoli, Chili, and Capers
Source: Penne With Broccoli, Chili, and Capers
Warm, satisfying, and nourishing, Kuteer and Trisha Zanasi‘s Penne With Broccoli, Chili, and Capers is the ideal pasta dinner. Pasta is tossed in a garlicky broccoli pesto that pairs perfectly with fresh tomatoes. It’s simple, requires no fancy ingredients or equipment and is super flavorful. Take 15 minutes out of your day and whip this recipe up, you won’t regret it.
4. Broccoli and Tofu Sandwiches
Source: Broccoli and Tofu Sandwiches
What’s one of the best ways to eat your veggies? Make a sandwich! These Broccoli and Tofu Sandwiches by Katie Culpin and Josh Bailey are chock-full of wholesome ingredients. Broccoli florets and cubes of tofu are tossed in energizing ginger, coriander, and umami miso, and then stuffed between two crispy bread rolls. Messy, but very worth it!
5. Crunchy Fresh Broccoli Salad
Source: Crunchy Fresh Broccoli
Christin McKamey‘s Crunchy Fresh Broccoli is the perfect lunch! It’s also versatile, to meet all of your mealtime needs! It can be rolled up in a soft flour tortilla or sandwiched between rustic bread for a quick and portable lunch that’s light and delicious.
6. Hearty Lentil Broccoli Bolognese
Source: Hearty Lentil Broccoli Bolognese
This Hearty Lentil Broccoli Bolognese by Renee Press is so tasty, satisfying, and filling, you’ll always want to have a batch stored in your freezer. Broccoli, cauliflower, or kale (or all three!) pair wonderfully with the rich tomato sauce. Serve over black bean pasta or brown rice pasta with a salad on the side.
7. Broccoli ‘Wings’
Source: Broccoli “Wings”
Similar to cauliflower “wings,” but a little more flavorful, Margaret Chapman‘s crispy Broccoli “Wings” will be the star appetizer of any party. Broccoli florets are coated in a gluten-free batter and then baked to crispy perfection. Leave them plain, or toss them in any kind of sauce you like.
8. Roasted Broccoli and Sauerkraut Quesadilla
Source: Roasted Broccoli and Saurkraut Quesadilla
This Roasted Broccoli and Saurkraut Quesadilla by Maya Popovich is easy to make, filling, healthy, but also comforting. They are crispy, fresh, gooey with vegan cheese, and all around a crowd pleaser. You are going to love them once you give them a try.
9. Fat-Free Spinach and Broccoli Patties
Source: Fat-Free Spinach and Broccoli Patties
Kushi‘s Fat-Free Spinach and Broccoli Patties are a healthier, easy to make tikkis, Indian croquettes, made from spinach broccoli, and chickpea flour. These patties are crispy on the outside with soft and chewy texture inside. Ready in less than 20 minutes, they’re perfect as an appetizer or snack served with chutney or any creamy dip.
10. Mashed Potato Casserole With Broccoli and a Cauliflower Gravy
Source: Mashed Potato Casserole With Broccoli and a Cauliflower Gravy
There are countless thing to love about Jennifer Harmon‘s Mashed Potato Casserole With Broccoli and a Cauliflower Gravy. It has a layer of mashed potatoes, then a layer of cauliflower gravy, then a final layer of minced broccoli. The mashed potato layer has an undetectable can of white beans mixed in for protein. The gravy is made of puréed cauliflower as well as mushrooms. This ultimate comfort food of a casserole is creamy, dreamy, and a must-make for dinner.
11. Truffled Cream of Broccoli Soup
Source: Truffled Cream of Broccoli Soup
Sometimes, cauliflower hogs all the spotlight when it comes to puréed soup, but broccoli can get the job done, too! Make this rich Truffled Cream of Broccoli Soup by Lisa Lotts for your lunchtime indulgence. Silken tofu is the key to its amazing texture and a sprinkle of homemade croutons on top adds a savory, satisfying crunch.
12. Cashew Mac and Cheese Bread Bowl
Source: Cashew Mac and Cheese Bread Bowl
This Cashew Mac and Cheese Bread Bowl by Bridge Rose is a carb-lovers’ dream. Creamy, comforting macaroni is smothered in a rich cashew cheese sauce that you’ll want to make again and again — but that’s not all. The mac and cheese is served in a homemade bread bowl and mixed with broccoli because if there’s anything that’s as good as mac and cheese, it’s definitely broccoli and cheese.
13. Charred Broccoli Falafel With Charred Lemon Tahini
Source: Charred Broccoli Falafel
There is nothing better than homemade falafel and Stephanie McKinnie‘s Charred Broccoli Falafel are everything! The charred broccoli brings a new depth of flavor to falafel. Raw broccoli is roasted and then blended with chickpeas and spices. Then, classic lemon tahini is given a makeover with the simple addition of charred lemon. Whether it’s on a salad or in a pita pocket, this is the perfect meal.
14. Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
Source: Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
These Broccoli Cheddar Fritters by Rhea Parsons are so fast and easy to make, so they’re perfect for a last-minute snack or side dish. It hardly takes any ingredients – just the broccoli, the vegan cheese, egg replacer, your favorite spices, and some flour. These fritters use chickpea flour to keep it gluten-free. Try it as a side dish to pasta, potatoes, or your favorite vegetables.
15. Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Brown Rice Bake
Source: Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Brown Rice Bake
If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to make and nourishing, and this Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Brown Rice Bake by Kelly Williams is exactly that. It’s simple as can be, especially if you cook the brown rice in advance. Lots of broccoli-rice dishes require pre-blanching the broccoli or sautéing garlic and onions, but not this one! You pretty much just mix brown rice and broccoli in a casserole dish and stir it up with a basic cheesy sauce. Easy peasy and perfect for weeknights.
Looking for more. Check out our vegan broccoli recipes for even more ideas and inspiration. We also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 15,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!
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Lead image source: Mashed Potato Casserole With Broccoli and a Cauliflower Gravy
