There is something about broccoli that repels children (and many adults). Maybe it’s the slight stink, or that their first introduction is either raw florets on a crudite platter (when not even ranch dip can make it palatable), or steamed/boiled to a mushy mess (also not good). But when done right, broccoli can be divine! Plus it’s incredibly nutritious. So I made it my mission to figure out how to make it irresistible to kids -without burying it in some rich sauce (which defeats the purpose of getting this healthy vegetable in their bodies). After many failed attempts, I stumbled upon the magical combination of lightly roasted broccoli, good extra virgin olive oil and nutritional yeast. People, it seriously tastes like it is bathed in a cheese sauce. My one- and four-year-old boys devoured it. Even asked for it at breakfast the next morning. No joke. If you have veggie-averse kids (or even if you don’t), run to your nearest Trader Joe’s, pick up a bag of organic broccoli florets and get roasting.
Ingredient note: If you aren’t familiar with nutritional yeast, it is a deactivated yeast sold in the form of flakes. It is high in B vitamins and has a nutty, cheesy taste, so it’s popular with vegans as a cheese flavor substitute. You can find it at your local Whole Foods or natural food store, or online. I like the Kal Nutritional Yeast brand.
Cheezy Broccoli
This is also great with cauliflower. Sub 1 medium head of cauliflower for the broccoli. Makes 4 servings. Note: I usually double the recipe, as my family of 4 kills ...
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