Roasted Broccoli with Feta, Lemon and Garlic
Delicious roasted broccoli with feta, lemon, and garlic, crisp, tender, and full of flavor. The feta adds a salty and tangy flavor, with the lemon and garlic bringing everything together for this wonderful side dish or even a plant-based main dish.
Mediterranean cooking has a wonderful way of making every vegetable delicious, including broccoli. No, we don’t drizzle it with unhealthy cheese to hide its flavor and goodness. Instead, we cook it in a way that highlights its natural taste. For example, the traditional Greek-style braised broccoli in tomato sauce is so flavorful that there’s no need to hide anything. In this recipe, we once again showcase broccoli by roasting it with olive oil, garlic, and feta, making it truly irresistible.
Nutritional Value of Roasted Broccoli, The Dietitian’s Take.
This dish is packed with nutrients all know that broccoli is good for you but let’s see exactly what benefits you are getting from this dish. Broccoli contains the antioxidant sulforaphane which may support which may help reduce inflammation and protect against certain cancers, while its fiber can increase the good bacteria in the and control blood sugar levels. The polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil can reduce artery inflammation, protecting the heart, while garlic adds allicin, known for supporting immunity and healthy blood pressure. A squeeze of lemon provides some vitamin C, while feta contributes calcium and probiotics. The toasted pine nuts not only add crunch, but also healthy fats, magnesium, and antioxidants.
Roasted Broccoli Ingredients
- Broccoli: Broccoli is the main ingredient in this recipe. Look for a deep green color, and make sure the buds are tight. There should be no yellow or brown spots. I do use part of the stock, as you’re getting more fiber and nutrients.
- Extra-virgin Olive Oil: As with most Mediterranean vegetable dishes, olive oil is not only essential for a good cooking result, but it also makes the vegetables irresistible, and this dish is no exception. Make sure to use extra-virgin olive oil, as it will coat the broccoli and provide that crispy texture.
- Pine Nuts: Pine nuts are a great way to add extra crunch and flavor to this dish. They pair naturally with broccoli and are rich in antioxidants and several minerals.
- Garlic: Garlic is another perfect complement for broccoli. Just a little adds the touch of flavor this dish needs. Avoid mincing the garlic, as it can overwhelm the dish and burn easily. Instead, cut it into a few larger pieces.
- Feta: Feta plays an important role in this recipe, providing richness and protein that help make the dish complete. Authentic Greek feta, according to the EU-protected PDO, is made in Greece using a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk, or only sheep’s milk. If you can’t find Greek feta, choose one made from sheep’s milk, as this provides the characteristic tangy flavor, unlike feta made from cow’s milk.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is often added in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in dishes cooked with olive oil and feta. It adds lightness and brightness to the dish.
How to make Roasted Broccoli with Feta
1. Preheat oven at 400 F (200 C)
2. Start by rinsing and drying the broccoli well (this is important for crispness).
3. Place broccoli in a pan to fit in 1 layer. Add the chopped garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well so everything is coated in olive oil.
4. Sprinkle with the pine nuts.
5. Nestle pieces of feta between the pieces of broccoli
6. Sprinkle with oregano and some thick kosher salt.
7. Drizzle 1 more tbsp of olive and place in the oven.
8. Roast for about 20-25 minutes until the tips start to brown.
9. Remove from oven and squeeze juice of one lemon.
What to Serve with Roasted Broccoli
As you know I advocate for traditional Mediterranean eating patterns and that means many vegetable only main dishes. So one way would be to enjoy this as a main course accompanying it wither with 1 cup pasta or 1 slice whole grain bread. This will provide 15 g of protein. You can also accompany this with a vibrant Mediterranean dip such as Tzatziki, Garlic Sauce, or Basil Pesto. As a side dish it pairs very well with a simple fish dish like Mediterranean Baked Sole or Chicken Souvlaki in the Oven or Roasted Greek Meatballs.
Storage
Store broccoli covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350 F for about 5 minutes.
More Roasted Vegetable Recipes
Roasted Broccoli with Feta, Lemon and Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of broccoli cut into florets, washed, and dried well
- 1 tsp pine nuts
- 1-2 cloves garlic chopped
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil plus more for serving
- 2 oz (60 g) feta cut into pieces
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven at 400 F (200 C)
- Rinsing and dry the broccoli well
- Place broccoli in a pan to fit in 1 layer. Add the chopped garlic. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and toss well so everything is coated in olive oil.
- Sprinkle with the pine nuts.
- Nestle pieces of feta between the pieces of broccoli
- Sprinkle with oregano and some thick kosher salt.
- Drizzle 1 more tbsp of olive and place in the oven.
- Roast for about 20-25 minutes until the tips start to brown.
- Remove from oven and squeeze juice of one lemon.
