Broccoli (calabrese)

Key facts

Broccoli is also known as calabrese in the UK; it lends itself well to souffles, soups and gratins; broccoli is said to protect against many stomach disorders and its high levels of selenium give it potent anti-cancer properties, as long as it is eaten raw or lightly cooked.

English season: June to November
This is a vegetable that, because it’s imported all year round, turns up far too often on restaurant menus. However, it’s good to enjoy it in season. Prepare it by cutting it into even-sized florets measuring about 2 inches (5 cm) each, then steam them till tender – 4-5 minutes. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice, a little butter or a sprinkle of grated cheese to just melt into the flower heads. You can also roast broccoli tossed in a little oil and seasoning – just place in a pre-heated oven at gas mark 6, 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.

Alternatively, to stir-fry for 2 people: separate 8 oz (225 g) of florets into 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces and slice the stalk bits into tiny diagonal slices. Stir-fry in 1 dessertspoon of very hot oil for 1 minute, then add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger and a crushed clove of garlic. Stir-fry for another minute, then add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of dry sherry. Cover with a lid and continue to cook until tender – about 2 more minutes.

Broccoli (sprouting) - February to March
After the lean winter months, the first fresh green vegetable to herald spring is sprouting broccoli, with its purple or white flowery heads. It has a lovely, sweet, very green kind of flavour and tender stalks. I like to eat the leaves, stalks and heads when it’s very young. Steam them, sprinkled with salt, for 3-4 minutes. You will need 4 oz (110 g) per person.

Related Recipes

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 Serves 2

Chinese Stir-fried Chicken with Shiitake Mushrooms and Purple Sprouting Broccoli

Purple sprouting broccoli has a short spring season so enjoy it to the full with this quick and easy stir-fry recipe packed with flavour and low in fat. Then, when the purple sprouting variety has gone, use standard broccoli instead.

 

 

 Serves 1

Chinese Stir-fried Chicken with Broccoli and Mushrooms

Chinese-style recipes are often perfect for one, because many of them are made at top speed. The trouble is that Westerners are often inclined to add a little extra cooking time, and the end result can be just that little bit overdone.

 

 

 Serves 4

Cauliflower and Broccoli Gratin with Blue Cheese

The cheese we used for the sauce in this recipe was Gorgonzola, but Roquefort is also extremely good. Vegetarians might like to know that a vegetarian parmesan-style cheese is available from www.bookhamcheese.co.uk

 

 

 Serves 4 as a light lunch with a green salad; or 6-8 as a starter

Broccoli Souffle with Three Cheeses

Soufflés are really something. Sublimely soft, foaming masses of egginess that rise to lofty heights and never fail to delight all who see and all who taste. I know rumour has it that soufflés are difficult, temperamental and can fall flat on you, an

 

 

 Serves 2

Chinese Stir-fried Green Vegetables

The principle of stir-frying involves speed of cooking with a high heat. As the vegetables come into contact with the hot surface of the pan or wok, the heat seals in the flavour and all the nutrients are retained. It's not essential to have a wok, b