Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon

Ingredients

• 1 large head broccoli (about 400 g), cut into florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from the other half)
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Cut the broccoli into florets. Peel the stem and cut it into pieces too — it’s good eating.
3. Pat the broccoli dry with a clean towel. Dry broccoli roasts better.

2. Season

1. Place the broccoli on a baking tray.
2. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil.
3. Add salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
4. Toss with your hands until evenly coated.
5. Spread in a single layer — don’t crowd the tray or it will steam instead of roast.

3. Roast

1. Roast for 10 minutes.
2. Remove from the oven, add the sliced garlic, and toss.
3. Return to the oven for another 8–10 minutes until the florets are charred at the tips and tender inside.
4. The garlic should be golden, not burnt.

4. Finish

1. Squeeze the lemon juice over the hot broccoli.
2. Sprinkle with lemon zest and Parmesan (if using).
3. Toss gently and serve immediately.

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Tips

• Don’t throw away the stem. Peel the tough outer skin and slice the inner part — it’s sweet and tender when roasted.
• High heat is key. 220°C gives you those crispy charred edges. Lower heat = sad, steamed broccoli.
• Add the garlic halfway through. Garlic burns faster than broccoli cooks. Adding it later keeps it golden and sweet.
• Eat it as a side or a main. Great alongside anything, or toss it with pasta and a little pasta water for a quick meal.

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Variations

Variation	Change	Notes
With soy sauce and sesame	Replace lemon with 1 tbsp soy sauce, add 1 tsp sesame oil and sesame seeds after roasting	Asian-inspired
With almonds	Add 1/4 cup slivered almonds in the last 5 minutes of roasting	Crunchy and nutty
Cheesy roasted broccoli	Add grated cheddar or Parmesan in the last 2 minutes, return to oven until melted	Comforting
With pasta	Toss with 150 g cooked pasta, 2 tbsp pasta water, and extra Parmesan	Quick broccoli pasta

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Result

Crispy, charred broccoli florets with sweet roasted garlic, bright lemon juice, and a hit of chili — nutty, caramelized, and so much better than steamed. A side dish that steals the show.