Crystal Nelson
Most broccoli recipes only ever talk about the florets. With the result that we often dispose of the stalk in the organic waste. But he’s too bad for that. Here you will find recipe ideas in which the broccoli stalk provides that certain something.
Broccoli is a popular vegetable that goes well in many dishes: the cabbage vegetable can be used in many ways, from broccoli soup and broccoli salad to the small broccoli florets in Asian dishes.
The stalk of the broccoli is far too often neglected when cooking – and ends up in the organic waste out of ignorance. This is almost like a small food sin, because the stalk contains a lot of vitamins and minerals.
The cabbage broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables: It is rich in B vitamins, vitamins C, E and K and contains lots of potassium, calcium and beta carotene. Lots of dietary fiber and phytochemicals (antioxidants), which protect the body from free radicals, make broccoli a true superfood.
What most of us probably don’t know is that the stalk of broccoli contains even more nutrients (such as iron and fiber) than the florets. Its taste is reminiscent of green asparagus, which is why broccoli used to be called “asparagus cabbage”.
Utilize broccoli stems: ideas against food waste
In principle, you can prepare the stalk just like the tender florets of broccoli. However, you should free the stalk from woody parts and peel it. Then you can cut it up and steam it in a little water. This type of preparation preserves most of the vitamins. If you overcook the broccoli, most of the ingredients will be lost in the water.
Good to know: What applies to the broccoli stalk also applies to the cauliflower stalk. It is also rich in vitamins and can be used in many dishes.
Recipe ideas – broccoli stem included
- With vegetable pans or Asian dishes, you can prepare the peeled and finely chopped stalk together with the florets.
- You can spice up a simple potato gratin with fine slices of broccoli stalk.
- It doesn’t matter whether it’s broccoli soup or vegetable soup: the whole broccoli can also be used here.
- A broccoli puree is a delicious side dish, for which the stalk is better than the tender florets.
Broccoli Soup: a quick and easy recipe
Cook the broccoli stem and florets and potato in vegetable stock and then puree. Season with some cream, salt, pepper, curry, and cumin.
Broccoli puree
For the puree, cook the broccoli stalk together with potatoes (the proportion of broccoli and potatoes is entirely up to you, you can also use broccoli pure), mash with the potato masher, and season with salt, pepper, and grated nutmeg.
