Low Iodine Lemon & Olive Oil Broccoli Mash
Bright, garlicky, and finished with a hit of lemon, this broccoli mash is the kind of side dish that makes you wonder why you ever defaulted to plain steamed vegetables. The base is simple — fresh broccoli, good olive oil, garlic, and a squeeze of citrus — but the result is surprisingly rich and satisfying. For anyone navigating a low-iodine approach, this recipe is a natural fit: it skips dairy, iodized salt, and seafood entirely, relying instead on extra-virgin olive oil and fine sea salt to build flavor without the ingredients that typically cause concern. The garlic is gently bloomed in the oil before everything comes together, which gives the mash a depth that tastes far more involved than the steps actually are. A pinch of turmeric adds a warm, golden hue, and the optional parsley keeps things feeling fresh and vibrant on the plate. Serve it alongside a simple protein or pile it onto a bowl — either way, it holds its own as the star of the meal.
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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
Chef's tipFine sea salt and table salt measure the same - no conversion needed. - 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.
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