Charred Broccoli with Garlic, Lemon & Crispy Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 1½ poundsbroccoli
- 3 tablespoonolive oil
- 4 clovegarlic
- 1lemon
- ·bread (day-old or stale)
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
Prep
- 01
Pulse or grate bread into coarse crumbs. Toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy. Season lightly with salt and set aside.
- 02
Mince 4 cloves garlic.
Method
- 01
Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets, leaving 1 to 2 inches of stem attached.
- 02
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add broccoli in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until deeply charred on the bottom.
- 03
Toss broccoli, then cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until florets are tender and lightly blackened all over. Transfer to a serving dish.
- 04
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- 05
Pour the garlic oil over the broccoli. Zest the lemon over the top, then squeeze half the lemon juice across the dish. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, toss gently, and top with crispy breadcrumbs.
Spice Tips
For a gentle warmth, the recipe includes just a pinch of red pepper flakes. Double it for more heat, or add a dash of cayenne pepper. A few torn fresh basil leaves or a scatter of fresh parsley stirred in just before serving brighten the dish further.