BROCCOLI AND ALMOND SALAD

Broccoli is considered to be one of the most nutritious vegetables that can offer numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that compounds in broccoli can protect from prostate, colon, urinary bladder, pancreatic, and breast cancers. When you buy broccoli, the heads should have tightly clustered florets that are deep green, with no yellow spots and use it within 2 days.

Recipe for Broccoli and Almond Salad

Preparation time : 10 minutes

Serves 2

Ingredients :

Broccoli : 1,small, blanched(instructions given below)

Cherry Tomatoes : 5

Almonds : 10

Onion : 1tsp, sliced / chopped
English Cucumber : 1, cut into bite size 

Romaine Lettuce : 1Cup 

Ingredients for yogurt dressing :

Greek Yogurt / Hung curd : 2tbsp

Salt : a Pinch

Olive Oil : 1tsp

Mix all ingredients with a spoon till you get a smooth yogurt dressing.

How to make Broccoli and almond salad? 

Take a salad bowl and place almonds, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, lettuce, onions, blanched / steamed broccoli and mix lightly together. You can keep this in refrigerate for hours and just before serving add the dressing on top and toss slightly. (it can be eaten without any dressing too)

Preparation of broccoli : 

Trim Off the Floret and make bite sized pieces. Wash under running water and keep aside. Main stem of broccoli is entirely edible. Remove the hard top layer of stem with a peeler or knife/ Now trim and Slice the Stem. Stem takes more cooking time compared to florets. So cut into smaller pieces (1/2 -3/4 inch length). Rinse stem slices under running water and keep aside to blanch / microwave.(i microwaved them as it was easy :) 

Cooking method #1 : How to blanch a broccoli?

Take a bowl of ice water and keep it next to the stove. Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Now add enough salt. Add the stem and broccoli florets. Cook for 1 1/2 minutes until crisp and tender.  Now take it out from hot water and plunge immediately in the ice water. 

Cooking Method #2: How to steam a broccoli in  the Microwave?

Take a microwave safe ceramic / glass bowl and place the broccoli stems first and then florets. Now take  2-3 tablespoons of water with enough salt and sprinkle over top. Cover with a ceramic / glass plate  and microwave for 3 minutes. Remove the lid carefully and check if the broccoli is tender. Click here for the pictorial details for microwaving broccoli.