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Broccoli, delicious and valuable for health.

Broccoli, a healthy and tasty cruciferous vegetable: with this small gift from nature we can prepare many healthy and delicious recipes, and take care of our health thanks to its properties.


Broccoli: what are the origins?

Broccoli is originally from the area between Greece, Turkey, Syria, and the island of Cyprus. From that area, it was brought to Italy during the Roman times, and since then this precious cruciferous vegetable has been appreciated and prepared to cook excellent first courses and tasty side dishes.

The main cultivations in Italy are found in Puglia, Campania, Lazio, and Marche, and there are some local varieties such as the "broccoletti", mainly spread in the south.


Broccoli properties: why is it good for you?

Broccoli contains numerous nutrients that are very important for our well-being. The sulforaphane it contains is important to counteract the aging process, keeping the cells young and functional.

It is a vegetable rich in vitamin C, calcium, and selenium; the latter, in particular, has anti-cancer properties, making broccoli a true panacea for health. They are also a source of vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium, which are valuable for the body. They help to improve the health of teeth and bones and help prevent diabetes.

Broccoli is excellent for creating a delicious first course: pasta with broccoli is a staple of Italian cuisine!

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Broccoli cooking: is there an ideal method?

Certainly, the best cooking method for broccoli is steaming, considered the base for preparing other recipes. Broccoli can be boiled or steamed, and then sautéed with other flavors.

One of the best combinations is undoubtedly that with pasta, which is very simple to prepare. Sauté the broccoli in a pan with a little oil, salt, pepper, and spicy chili. Once cooked, add the pasta and serve immediately. It’s delicious!


Steamed broccoli, the ideal base for recipes

Steamed broccoli is perfect for creating many different dishes. No wonder, broccoli can be used both as a condiment and as a side dish, particularly paired with meat dishes.

The pronounced flavor of broccoli can be easily combined with other flavors, without overpowering them; try adding crushed walnuts, pine nuts, or chili, the ideal combination. Additionally, pasta can be enriched with a sprinkle of strong-flavored cheese, such as grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Truly delicious!


How to cook broccoli?

The broccoli is delicious as the star of the dish. In this regard, we suggest the BIO green broccoli from Gusta BIO, healthy and obviously organic, to ensure you bring to your table a healthy, natural, and also organic product.

Without a doubt, paying attention to the naturalness of the ingredients also helps to have a product that is more rich in flavor, of excellent quality, with a strong taste. That’s why it’s always a great choice to buy organic products like these broccoli!


Can broccoli be eaten raw?

Of course! Broccoli is often the star of many winter recipes such as salad with raw broccoli, keeping its flavor and all beneficial properties intact.

A perfect dish to boost our immune defenses in winter is raw broccoli and orange salad, a true reservoir of vitamins for our body! Marinate the broccoli in orange juice to make it lighter and tastier. Peel the trunk of the broccoli discarding the peels and the end of the stem, cut it in half and season with balsamic vinegar, hazelnuts, salt, and EVO oil. Add orange segments and your winter salad is ready.

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Broccoli recipes: here are our tips

There are many recipes for preparing broccoli in a healthy and tasty way, such as broccoli and bacon, baked broccoli, or pasta with broccoli and tuna. Let’s see the recipes!

To prepare broccoli and bacon as a side dish, get broccoli to boil, diced smoked bacon, oil, and salt to taste. Boil the broccoli for about twenty minutes. Break off the florets and cut them in half. Heat the oil in a pan, add the diced smoked bacon, and let it flavor for a few minutes. Add the broccoli and mix everything to blend the flavors. Serve hot, and if you like, you can add some grated Parmigiano to enhance the flavor.

To prepare baked broccoli, you will need broccoli, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Boil the broccoli in salted water. Cook for about twenty minutes. Drain them and let them cool slightly. Place them in a baking dish, seasoning with oil, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmigiano. Finish the topping with breadcrumbs, grated Parmigiano, and a drizzle of oil. Bake at 180 degrees for about twenty minutes. Your dish will be tasty, baked, and gooey. Bon appétit!

Pasta with broccoli and tuna
, a delicious first course that everyone will love. Here’s how to prepare it. First, get short pasta like macaroni, canned tuna, broccoli, onion, garlic, oil, grated Parmigiano, chili, salt, and pepper to taste. Cut the broccoli and sauté them in a pan with onion, garlic, and chili. Sauté in the already hot oil. Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water. Drain it and add it to the sauce. Add the Parmigiano, mix for a few minutes, and serve hot.

Broccoli, a delicious vegetable perfect for many kitchen ideas, to enjoy with our tips. Bon appétit!

Antonella Iannò

S&M  - autoreS&M
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