Sesame 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 people go back for seconds even when they swore they were full. Steaming the broccoli until completely tender before mashing it with garlic-infused olive oil gives the whole thing a silky, almost luxurious texture that feels way more indulgent than the ingredient list suggests. A pinch of turmeric adds a warm golden hue and a subtle earthiness that plays beautifully against the citrus. Every single ingredient here is naturally free from sesame — no tahini, no sesame oil, no hidden blends — so you can serve it confidently without scanning a single label. The garlic is bloomed gently in olive oil rather than just stirred in raw, which makes a real difference in depth of flavor. Fresh parsley scattered over the top at the end keeps everything feeling vibrant and a little fancy with almost zero extra effort. It works as a weeknight side, a dinner party showstopper, or honestly just something to eat straight from the bowl with a drizzle of good olive oil.
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!