Nitrate & Nitrite Free 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 forget you ever needed butter or cream to feel satisfied. Steaming the broccoli until completely tender and then folding in garlic-infused olive oil creates a silky, rich base that's entirely plant-powered. The lemon zest and fresh juice cut right through the earthiness of the broccoli, while a pinch of turmeric adds a warm, golden hue without overpowering the other flavors. For anyone navigating nitrate and nitrite concerns, this recipe is a genuinely clean option — every ingredient is whole and unprocessed, with no cured meats, packaged seasonings, or preserved items anywhere in sight. That peace of mind is hard to come by with comfort-food sides, which often sneak in processed components. You can mash it chunky for texture or push it toward a smoother purée depending on your mood, and a final drizzle of good olive oil ties everything together beautifully. It works as a weeknight staple or an impressive addition to a dinner spread.
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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
- 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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