Indian Style Potatoes with Broccoli (Aloo Hari Phool Gobi)

Broccoli is not traditionally used in Indian cuisine, but works quite well when substituted for the expected cauliflower in Aloo Gobi.  I sometimes add chopped onion (a small one) to the pan with the cumin seeds for added flavor.  You can substitute green beans (stemmed and cut in quarters) for the broccoli.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium potatoes, rinsed and peeled if desired
  • 1 small bunch broccoli, rinsed, bottom of stems cut off
  • 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil (or more if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3/4 tablespoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Method:

  1. Cut potatoes into ¾ inch cubes.  Cut broccoli into 1 ½ – 2 inch pieces.
  2. Warm oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.  Toast cumin seeds, in oil until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  3. Add potatoes to pan and toss around to coat with oil, and making sure spices don’t stick to bottom of the pan.  Sauté for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Add broccoli and remaining spices, stir well.  Sauté for 5 minutes, then add about ¼-½ cup water to pan.
  5. Cook over medium-low heat.  Stir occasionally, and add more water as necessary to prevent vegetables from sticking to the pan.
  6. Cook until potatoes and beans are tender.  If you prefer softer beans, cook them a bit longer—for crisper ones, a little less. Taste and add more salt if necessary.

Sautéed Broccoli with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

This is a classic dish – a delightful riff reminiscent of sautéed greens with garlic, something my family eats at least once a week during the winter months.  By this time in the season, we’re ready for a slightly different take. Try substituting broccoli rabe for another tasty variation. We also like to toss in some toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch. (Serves 4-6)

Ingredients:

  • One head of broccoli, rinsed, tough stems removed
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • Salt and pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar (optional)

Method:

  1. Separate the broccoli into uniformly sized pieces.  You can peel the stems, if the stalks seem tough.
  2. Steam the broccoli for a few minutes, until just turning bright green.  Drain and cool in an ice water bath to stop cooking.
  3. Heat some olive oil in a sauté pan.  Add broccoli and sauté for a few minutes.  Then add garlic and pepper flakes.  Toss and sauté until just tender.  Season with salt and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar as desired, to taste.
  4. Great served on its own, or toss with a little extra virgin olive oil and cooked pasta.  Or if desired, add some rinsed and drained, canned white beans or garbanzo beans to the pan for the last few minutes of cooking.

Broccoli, Red Pepper, and Cheddar Soup

In our family we have a weakness for broccoli soups, especially broccoli cheddar.  When I came across this variation in The Gourmet Cookbook I knew we had to try it.  Of course, as with all recipes, we adapted the original instructions—cut down on the cheese, used half-and-half instead of cream and added leek, fresh corn and some shredded carrot. The corn adds a nice crunch as well as sweetness—use frozen, if fresh is unavailable. This is a great chowder for a cool, cloudy day when a mug of hot soup is just the tonic needed to warm you up from the inside out.

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Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of this creamy soup is sure to cure most anything that ails you on a cold and cloudy day.  My daughter loves a bowlful any time of year, and I have to admit, it’s hard to resist.  This thick, cheesy soup is inspired by Panera Bread Café, but this one’s vegetarian and just a bit lighter.  It’s still rich, cheesy and, of course, full of fresh broccoli.

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