How to Make Roasted Broccoli with Lemon

Roasting broccoli with lemons and garlic is a simple yet flavorful way to elevate this nutritious vegetable. The convenience of this method lies in its straightforward preparation—just a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time.

The high heat of the oven caramelizes the broccoli, bringing out its natural sweetness and adding a delightful crispiness to the edges. The garlic, when roasted, mellows out and becomes slightly sweet, infusing the broccoli with a rich, savory depth. The lemon, added either before or after roasting, brightens the dish with a zesty tang, balancing the richness of the garlic and the earthy flavor of the broccoli.

This combination creates a harmonious blend of flavors: the umami of the roasted garlic, the fresh citrus notes from the lemon, and the caramelized, slightly nutty taste of the broccoli. It’s a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, and its simplicity makes it an easy go-to for both weeknight dinners and more elaborate meals.

:Roasted Broccoli with Lemons and Garlic

Ingredients:
1 medium head of broccoli
1 lemon, halved
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt & Pepper, to taste

Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare Broccoli: Separate the broccoli florets and rinse them. Dry well and place them in a roasting pan in a single layer.

Season: Drizzle the broccoli with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Use clean hands to mix well, ensuring all the broccoli is evenly coated. Rearrange the broccoli back into a single layer if needed.

Prepare Lemon & Garlic:
Cut 1/4 of the lemon into thin slices, then cut those slices into small wedges.
Zest 1/4 of the lemon over the broccoli and squeeze its juice all over the pan.
Scatter the garlic slices and lemon wedges evenly around the pan.

Roast: Place the pan in the oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes. Check the broccoli at 15 minutes. If it has black specs, remove it from the oven. If it needs more time, roast for another 5 minutes.

Serve: Remove from the oven and enjoy as a side dish or a light meal.

Nutritional Breakdown per Serving (Serves 4):

Calories: 110 kcal
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fiber: 3.5 g
Sugars: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Vitamin C: 90 mg
Calcium: 50 mg
Iron: 1 mg

This nutritional breakdown is based on using 2 tablespoons of olive oil and assumes the recipe serves four people.

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