Trust me on this…. I know it may seem odd, but pureed broccoli is so easy to make, it is impressive and different, and most importantly it is creamy and delicious…it kinda tastes like mashed potatoes. I experimented with the recipe by adding garlic and parmesan cheese, but it was really best with just 3 simple ingredients…broccoli, butter, & broth.
You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth. I love this Bare Bones Broth from Whole Foods…it is so tasty you can heat some in a cup and drink it…it is that good! You also need 1 pound to 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli. Adding a tablespoon of butter at the end makes the puree creamy and delicious!
Typically a bunch of broccoli that has long stems weighs about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds. If there are long stems, cut them off and discard…because they can be tough and stringy. Now chop the broccoli into 1” pieces. There is no need to remove the leaves, since this will be pureed later.
Place the chopped broccoli in a medium pan and cover with water.
Let the water come to a boil, then turn down the heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly for another 10 minutes.
Drain the broccoli and place in a blender.
Add 1/2 cup broth to the broccoli and blend till smooth. If you need more broth add 1/4 cup at a time…you do not want soup. For 1 pound of broccoli I used 3/4 cups of broth.
Once you have the consistency you like, add 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste.
Blend mixture till smooth and creamy. Serve immediately, or serve later by reheating in microwave or stovetop.
I honestly like the puree best served under fish… especially salmon.
BROCCOLI PUREE RECIPE
Serves: 4-6 people
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 to 1 1/2 pounds of broccoli, large stems removed
3/4 to 1 cup of broth (chicken or vegetable)
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon salt
PREPARATION
Roughly chop the broccoli into 1” pieces. Place chopped broccoli in medium pan.
Add enough water to the pan to cover the broccoli and turn the heat on high.
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, turn off heat and let cool slightly.
Drain broccoli and place in a blender.
Add 1/2 cup of broth and blend. You may need more broth but only add 1/4 cup at a time till you have the consistency you like. I used 3/4 cup broth for 1 pound of broccoli heads.
Now add 1 teaspoon salt, pepper to taste, and 1 tablespoon butter. Blend again till smooth and creamy.
Note: This puree is best served with fish.