Charred Broccoli with Parmesan (Print Version)

Vibrant roasted broccoli tossed with lemon zest and Parmesan for a smoky, flavorful dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head broccoli (approximately 1.1 lbs), cut into florets
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

→ Dressing

03 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
05 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
06 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

08 - 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (about 1.4 oz)
09 - 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)
10 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F or air fryer to 400°F.
02 - Toss broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil, half the lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper.
03 - Arrange broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet or air fryer basket. Roast or air-fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until edges are charred and broccoli is just tender.
04 - In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add sliced red onion to the tray or basket if using.
05 - Whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and remaining lemon zest in a large bowl.
06 - Add hot roasted broccoli and onions (if using) to the dressing. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
07 - Transfer salad to a serving platter. Top with shaved Parmesan, toasted nuts, and chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It proves that a simple vegetable can be absolutely craveable when you stop being gentle with it.
  • Twenty-five minutes from start to finish, including the time to find your lemon.
  • The dressing comes together while the oven does the real work.
02 -
  • Don't peek or shake the pan obsessively; let the broccoli sit undisturbed for the first few minutes so it can actually develop a crust.
  • Underripe broccoli stays tough, but overcooked broccoli turns mushy; aim for that sweet spot where it's tender but still snaps slightly when you bite it.
03 -
  • Use a microplane for zesting; it catches the fragrant yellow oils without the bitter white pith underneath.
  • Save a small handful of unroasted broccoli to toss in at the very end if you like a bit of raw crunch against the char.
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