Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life!
It was steak pie night. A family-sized steak and gravy pie bought before lockdown, and frozen. Creamy, mashed potatoes on the side, and a chance to use up the tired head of broccoli in the fridge. I usually break it into florets and steam over the cooking potatoes, but I wanted something more exciting tonight. I googled broccoli recipes and the first one that came up claimed: Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life – Erren’s Kitchen. How could I ignore a heading like that?
It’s simple to prepare, too. Bonus! The washed florets are laid on a baking tray, sprinkled with thinly sliced fresh garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt & pepper. Then while they go deliciously brown and charred at the edges, you grate a lemon for its zest, and a little pile of fresh parmesan.
When the broccoli is done (10 – 15 mins), squeeze the lemon over it, add the grated rind and parmesan, and toss together. I popped it back into the oven for a couple of minutes while I served up the pie and mash, and then shared it between us.
It was DELICIOUS. And Yes, probably the best broccoli ever 😊
We’re starting to understand the restrictions of lockdown, and had a prolonged discussion over “which takeaway will we get first, when they are all open again?”
This turned into a loose planning session, where we considered which ones we’ll miss, and how well we can compensate for them with homemade versions. Pizza we already make regularly. Same with Popcorn Chicken. Smashed Burgers are a favourite recipe, too. Fish and chips will be harder to replicate, as it’s dependent on the quality of fresh fish available from the online supermarket delivery. Normally I’d peruse the options and discuss which was the freshest, before buying some for dinner. Now we’re reliant on the supermarket selection on the day.
Doner Kebabs will also be a challenge. Not impossible, but will need practice, I think. Hmmm. Time to start looking at recipes again…
Details of Day 7 dinner:
The pie came from Rachelle’s Kitchen, in Paraparaumu. Rachelle will be back in business after lockdown. https://www.facebook.com/RachellesKitchenNZ/
The detailed broccoli recipe can be found at: https://www.errenskitchen.com/seriously-best-broccoli-life/
New Zealand is under Lockdown for at least four weeks. This blog intends to avoid the bad news about rising numbers of victims. It focuses instead on food, and the challenges of cooking fresh meals every day – with the ingredients from my larder. A much nicer message 😊
Sofia Grey 