Can this be done with broccoli?

[Imzadi]

I like the taste of roasted broccoli, where I just drizzle it with olive oil, garlic powder, salt & pepper. Then place it in the oven on a cookie sheet under the broiler to roast it.

However, I like my broccoli on the soft side. If I broil the broccoli too long, it simply gets too brown, dry & crunchy, not soft.

I've tried boiling it a little first, then broiling it, but once it's been in water, the broccoli heads absorb too much water to then toss with the olive oil & broil. It loses the "roasted" essence.

Can I simply add a little bit of water to the bottom of the baking sheet and still roast it? And/or cover with foil to keep in more moisture?

 

[shortbun]

Try it. I mostly roast veggies in a covered vessel that keeps them moist.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

I would try covering it so that it can stay in the oven longer, then unovering for the last few minutes. Doing it this way, I would try first without adding additional water as the brocolli itself contains some water.

Or try steaming it for a few minutes first.

 

[Imzadi]

I would try covering it so that it can stay in the oven longer, then unovering for the last few minutes. Doing it this way, I would try first without adding additional water as the brocolli itself contains some water.

Thanks you two. Covering the broccoli worked. I placed it into a foil pouch. Let it steam for a bit then uncovered it. It crisped up a bit without losing a lot of moisture.

 

[bengalbelle]

Imzadi, how long did you cook it and at what temperature? I roasted some tonight and it tasted really good but didn't get soft.

 

[Imzadi]

Maybe add a tad more water. I almost over steamed mine in the pouch.

I turned on the broiler to 400 degrees. I washed the broccoli and left on the extra moisture. I put in on the foil, on top of a cookie sheet. Drizzled it with olive oil & spices. I added in some pine nuts. Gave it a toss. Drizzled in about a tablespoon of water, just in case. Then I folded up and lightly sealed all the edges of the foil ( so I could easily open it again,) into a loose packet with some space at the top for steam.

I cooked it under the broiler for about 8-10 minutes. Then very carefully unfolded the pouch. You might have to do this with a fork. The steam really escapes. I gave it a quick stir and placed it back under the broiler with the broccoli exposed until the broccoli tops crisped up a bit. About a couple minutes.