Paraben Free Lemon & Olive Oil Broccoli Mash
Bright, garlicky, and finished with a hit of fresh lemon, this broccoli mash is the kind of side dish that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about vegetables. Steaming the broccoli until completely tender before mashing it with garlic-infused olive oil creates a silky, deeply savory base that feels indulgent without relying on butter or cream. The addition of lemon zest and juice keeps the whole thing tasting vibrant and fresh rather than heavy. A pinch of turmeric adds a warm, golden hue and a subtle earthiness that ties everything together beautifully. For anyone navigating preservative sensitivities, cooking from scratch with whole, recognizable ingredients is the most reliable way to stay in control of what goes into your food — and this recipe is built entirely around that principle. Every ingredient here is straightforward and unprocessed, from the extra-virgin olive oil to the fresh parsley scattered on top. It comes together in one pot and one small skillet, making cleanup as easy as the cooking itself. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or honestly just eat it with crusty bread — it holds its own either way.
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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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