I bought a utility cart to hold my monitor (or laptop) in my home studio last week and it has made my tethering life so much easier when I’m shooting at home. I was originally just putting my computer on chairs, which awkwardly took up room and was hard to maneuver around. The cart has wheels so I can move it with ease and it fits my 27″ iMac or my laptop with extra shelving for other tools that I might need on set. It’s amazing how one little thing can make such a big difference… Which leads me to discuss this roasted broccoli recipe with you. I have never been a big fan of broccoli, but I’ve recently discovered one small ingredient that has changed my mind about this healthy veggie forever.

Roasted Broccoli with Fresh Lemon and Garlic

LEMON

Yep, lemon. That’s it. This one ingredient has actually made me excited to eat broccoli. Lemon brightens the flavors of SO MANY different foods ranging from fish, salads, cakes and even cocktails. I use this lemon juicer to avoid getting seeds in my food and it works just as well if you’re squeezing the juice out of limes too. I also have this lemon peeler to add pretty lemon skin garnishes to drinks and this lemon zester to help me get just the zest and not the rind.

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THE RECIPE

This roasted broccoli recipe comes together super quickly, so it’s an easy side to add to your weekly meals at home. You’ll want to toss the broccoli with the olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic and lemon zest before roasting it in the oven. Adding sliced lemons to roast with the broccoli will release their juices subtly adding a really fresh vibrance without overpowering the broccoli.

When you remove the broccoli from the oven, discard the lemon slices before serving. You’ll want to be sure to taste the broccoli to see if it needs a little sprinkle of extra lemon juice. I love how bright the flavors are, but I also want to balance the brightness with the hints of garlic and the tender roasted broccoli florets.

If you liked learning how lemon transformed the flavors of broccoli, you should also check out my Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings.

Happy Cooking!

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Print

ROASTED BROCCOLI WITH LEMON AND GARLIC

Ingredients

• 1-2 heads broccoli, separated into florets
• 2-3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3-4 lemon slices
• Juice of 1/2 lemon, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, add the florets, extra virgin olive oil, pepper, lemon zest and minced garlic.
3. Toss to combine.
4. Spread the broccoli out on a baking sheet along with lemon slices.
5. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until the florets are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Remove and transfer to a serving platter.
7. Squeeze lemon juice over the broccoli, to taste.

All images © Regan Baroni 2015.