I was raised on steamed broccoli. It arrived on the plate limp, lifeless, and with a taste as unappetizing as its appearance. I harbored a genuine disdain for it. Fortunately, a culinary genius at some point had the brilliant idea to roast this green vegetable, forever changing the game. Through the magic of roasting, broccoli sheds its cabbage-like funk in favor of a delightful caramelized sweetness and a texture that strikes the perfect balance between crisp and tender. It’s a redemption story fit for the culinary annals.
Yet, even the appeal of roasted broccoli can wane over time, prompting an ongoing quest for ways to elevate it without expending excessive time and effort. My recent foray into the realm of broccoli experimentation yielded a resounding success, and surprisingly, it didn’t demand any intricate culinary techniques or rare ingredients. In a stroke of culinary simplicity, a humble packet of ranch dressing mix emerged as the key to an instant upgrade for broccoli.
Sara Haas’ enlightening guide on how to season roasted broccoli with ranch introduces a straightforward yet transformative approach. While seasoning broccoli with just salt, pepper, and olive oil may suffice for most palates, those seeking to regain trust after previous broccoli-cooking mishaps must pull out all the stops to impress. Enter the ranch dressing seasoning packet: a conveniently pre-measured solution that requires minimal effort. Simply tear open the packet, combine it with olive oil and broccoli, and voilà . The ranch seasoning permeates the broccoli, enhancing each bite with delectable flavor. With this method, your loved ones will inevitably request broccoli prepared this way time and time again.
To execute this flavorful transformation, start by placing a generously-sized, rimmed baking sheet in the middle of the oven and preheat to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, blend two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil with half a packet of ranch dressing mix. Add a 12-ounce bag of broccoli florets, ensuring every nook and cranny receives a coating of the flavor-packed mixture. Spread the broccoli onto the preheated baking sheet, roast for ten minutes, stir, and continue roasting until tender and golden, approximately five more minutes.
Sara Haas imparts her invaluable roasting tricks for success, enriching your culinary repertoire with expert advice. A unique twist on the conventional roasting process involves preheating the baking sheet before use. This method jumpstarts the cooking process, reducing overall cooking time while initiating the desirable caramelization effect. Opting for a large, rimmed baking sheet provides ample space for the broccoli to roast without succumbing to steaming. The rim serves a dual purpose, facilitating easy transfer to and from the oven and preventing wayward broccoli florets during stirring. When selecting a pan, prioritize aluminum over non-stick varieties to ensure optimal crisping of the broccoli.
Savor the roasted broccoli as a delectable side dish or incorporate it into your favorite grain
