How to Cook Fresh Broccoli

Wash broccoli before chopping it.

Broccoli is high in dietary fiber and vitamin C, both of which are beneficial to consume on a daily basis. The vegetable can be eaten raw, but cooked broccoli is softer and has a slightly less potent flavor. To cook fresh broccoli, all you need is a pot of water, a knife to chop up the vegetable and about 15 minutes. Once it is cooked, try eating broccoli on its own, dipped in your favorite dressing, coated in cheese sauce or tossed in a salad.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp knife
• Pot
• Water
• Strainer

Instructions

1. Cut the fresh broccoli stems 1/2 inch below the florets. The floret is the green, bushy area of the broccoli. You can choose to discard or cook the stem. If you plan to cook the broccoli stem, cut it into 1/8 inch thick slices.

2. Fill a pot halfway with water and place over high heat. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

3. Place the chopped broccoli into the boiling water. When the broccoli is added to the water, it will stop boiling. Bring the water back to a boil and reduce the heat to medium.

4. Cook the broccoli over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until the broccoli softens and turns bright green.

5. Pour the broccoli into a strainer and shake to remove any excess water. Serve immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• If you will not use any dipping sauce for your broccoli, season the water with a pinch of garlic salt and ground black pepper.

References

• "Cooking Basics For Dummies"; Bryan Miller; et al.; 2011
• "The Garden-Fresh Vegetable Cookbook"; Andrea Chesman; 2005