Roasted Broccoli with Nutty 'Parmesan' Cheese {oil-free, no added salt}

tasty and slightly crunchy, these broccoli will impress even the biggest opponent of cruciferous vegetables!

. . .

easy to prepare and with multiple serving options - as an appetizer, as part of a salad and even as a side dish to a main meal.

no details, please, straight to the recipe ➪

This dish requires a couple of steps when making, but it is all very simple, so anyone can prepare it.

Broccoli are a part of the Cruciferous family and they are something like Superman among the vegetables given their high nutrient and vitamin content, most important of which is sulforaphane, which has been linked to health benefits, such as improved heart health, digestion, and might even act against the formation of cancer cells. In addition to helping the body fight cancer cells, broccoli also contains many vitamins, minerals and fiber that support and strengthen our immunity. This is why it is recommended that we make cruciferous vegetables part of our daily menu and consume at least half a cup a day (source).

And despite their many health benefits, unfortunately, broccoli is considered boring and strange by many. In my opinion, their bad reputation is due to improper preparation, so I hope you find this recipe to be the exact opposite of boring or tasteless!

a minimum number of ingredients required:

broccoli
тамари сос
lemon
garlic powder
vegan 'parmesan’

preparation details

The first step in this recipe is to steam the broccoli for about 5 minutes, which is optional, but I recommend it because it helps soften the stems and makes them easier to digest.

It's a good idea to use a large enough bowl to mix the broccoli in with the rest of the ingredients (something I obviously did not do and was a little bit challenging hehe). And as for the lemon peel, it adds a pleasant fresh aroma to the dish.

Now, let’s talk about the magic spice that makes this broccoli dish (or any other dish for that matter) so delicious and crunchy - Vegan ‘Parmesan’ Cheese. It is made from various nuts, garlic powder, salt and nutritional yeast, and it is simply delicious. I sprinkle it on everything from pasta to soups and salads, and it's really magical. Not only does it give a wonderful taste to everything it touches, but it is also full of healthy fats and minerals.

After adding the tamari, lemon juice and zest, sprinkle half of the ‘parmesan’ cheese in the bowl and mix well. Sprinkle the rest of the ‘parmesan’ once you have transferred the broccoli onto the lined baking sheet - this way it will be toasted better and add more crunchiness. In order to roast the broccoli edges better, it is good to leave some space between them in the baking sheet, otherwise they would just steam.

If you prefer the broccoli to be on the darker side, leave it in the oven for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to burn them. Once you transfer the roasted broccoli to a serving dish, don’t forget to sprinkle on top the roasted 'parmesan' from the baking sheet, it's incredibly tasty and crunchy.

Serve as an appetizer or as part of a salad or a buddha bowl drizzled with a Vegan Queso Sauce or your favorite dressing on top, and I promise, you will not be disappointed. The roasted broccoli can definitely be served as a side dish to a main course or anything you have grilled.

recipe

Roasted Broccoli with Nutty 'Parmesan' Cheese

{oil-free, no added salt}

Crunchy and fragrant, they are perfect either as an appetizer, as part of a salad bowl or even as a side dish to a main course! Easy to prepare, these will quickly became your go-to dish!

{vegetarian & vegan friendly}

Author: The Kitchen Plot

Prep Time: 5 min.

Cook Time: 20 min.

Overall Time: 25 min.

Serves: 4

Perfect for: appetizer, side dish

Keeps for: in fridge - 3 days

* recipe adapted from Minimalist Baker.

Ingredients:

1 large head broccoli (or 2 small ones), cut into same-size florets
1 Tbsp tamari sauce (or soy sauce)

1/2 lemon, juice and zest
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup vegan ‘parmesan’ cheese

1 cup vegan queso sauce, for serving - you can find the recipe here

Method:

Pre-heat oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
This step is optional, but it is recommended - place a steamer in a pot, add water, but only enough so it does not reach the bottom of the steamer and then add the broccoli. Place the pot over medium heat and after the water begins to simmer, steam the broccoli for 2-4 minutes or until the broccoli become bright green, then remove from the heat.
Transfer the broccoli to a large mixing bowl (you want it large enough to be able to mix them easily), then add the tamari sauce, lemon juice and grated zest, and mix well. Add half of the vegan ‘parmesan’ and mix again.
Transfer the broccoli to a pre-lined baking sheet and spread them out so they don't touch (this helps get roasted edges, otherwise they would just steam). Sprinkle the rest of the vegan parmesan and place in the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure they are evenly roasted. If you want them to be more on the darker side, leave the broccoli in the oven for a few more minutes, but be careful not to burn them.
Let them cool before transferring to a serving dish (this prevents them from becoming soggy). Once transferred to the serving dish, sprinkle with the fallen on the parchment paper ‘parmesan’ and serve with this vegan queso sauce or any other sauce you like!
Bon Appétit!