Artificial Flavors Free Lemon & Olive Oil Broccoli Mash
Every ingredient in this vibrant green mash is exactly what it says it is — real broccoli, real lemon, real olive oil, and nothing hiding behind a vague "natural flavor" label. That kind of transparency is harder to find than it should be, especially in packaged sides and store-bought purees that rely on flavor enhancers to do the heavy lifting. Here, the flavor comes entirely from garlic bloomed in good olive oil, bright lemon zest and juice, and a pinch of turmeric that adds warmth and a gorgeous golden hue. The broccoli is steamed until completely tender, then mashed to whatever texture you like — rustic and chunky or smooth enough to rival any fancy restaurant side. A final drizzle of olive oil and a scatter of fresh parsley make it look as good as it tastes. It's the kind of dish that proves you don't need anything artificial to make vegetables genuinely craveable.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 lbs broccoli (about 2 medium heads), cut into florets, stems peeled and roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Fill a large pot with 1 inch of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the broccoli florets and chopped stems, cover, and steam until completely tender and a fork slides through the thickest stem piece with no resistance, 10–12 minutes. Drain thoroughly in a colander and let sit for 1 minute to allow excess steam to escape.
- 2
While the broccoli steams, warm the olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant but not browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!