Recipe: Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Eat your greens! With this simple recipe, it’s easy to enjoy the powerhouse of health benefits of an emerald-green bouquet of broccoli.

Roasted broccoli takes on a different texture from steaming or stir-frying. It becomes dense and slightly chewy, with a suberb concentrated flavour. Roasting is a perfect way to concentrate Yang-energy to give you a boost when it’s cold outside.

Broccoli season is just starting – grab the season’s harvest at low prices to make the most of this super-food veggie.

Health benefits of broccoli

Cool thermal nature (roasting increases Yang-energy)

Pungent and slightly bitter flavour

Clears excess heat – treats conjunctivitis

Promotes urination – treats difficult urination

Brightens eyes – treats shortsightedness and helps prevent macular degeneration

Excellent source of vitamin C and A, folate, potassium and fibre

Contains two kinds of anti-cancer compounds – sulforaphane and indoles. Research suggests that consumption of cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, is related to reduced risk of many cancers which includes lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, gastric and pancreatic cancer.

Detoxifies – helps to eliminate free radicals as well as harmful toxins like uric acid. Helps toxin-related conditions such as rashes, gout, rheumatism and boils

Nourishes skin – antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients help restore skin and reverse negative effects of sun exposure

Boosts digestion – vitamins, fibre and other nutrients reduce acidity and inflammation and promote regular bowel movements

Wide range of other health benefits – cardiovascular health, immunity, bone health, weight loss, kidney stones and wound healing

Caution: As with other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli contains goitrogens, which can impact those with thyroid disorders if taken in excess

Recipe: Garlic Roasted Broccoli

This is one of those simple side dishes that brings out the best in the main ingredient. A delicious way to “Eat Your Greens”!

• 2 heads broccoli
• 6 cloves garlic, crushed
• Olive oil
• Good quality salt

1. Preheat oven to 230C, line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Break broccoli into florets, wash and dry thoroughly. You can include the stems, sliced.
3. In a large bowl, mix the broccoli and garlic and drizzle with a little olive oil.
4. Transfer to baking tray and arrange in single layer.
5. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
6. Bake for about 20 minutes or until just starting to brown.