Broccoli With Sizzled Nuts and Dates

Name: Broccoli With Sizzled Nuts and Dates
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 to 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup raw assorted nuts and seeds, like pecans, pepitas or cashews (or a combination), roughly chopped; Kosher salt; 2 teaspoons coarsely cracked black peppercorns; 3 medjool dates, pitted and torn (or 1/3 cup dried fruit, chopped if large); 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 large head broccoli (about 1 1/2 pounds)

By Sohla El-Waylly

Updated Jan. 8, 2024

Broccoli With Sizzled Nuts and Dates — David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell.

Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Rating: 5(799)
Comments: Read comments

Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, like cabbage and brussels sprouts, can handle some char. Blackening makes them sweet and caramelized rather than bitter and burnt. The key is to cook the vegetables hot and fast, so the pieces develop color without becoming mushy and they’re crackly at the edges while still crisp-tender at the cores. Make sure your broccoli florets are thoroughly dried before cooking by taking them for a ride in a salad spinner. (Water will slow down the browning, resulting in florets that steam instead of char.) A topping of toasted nuts, sticky dates, bright lemon and bites of peppercorn adds complexity to this humble vegetable.

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Ingredients

Yield:2 to 4 servings

4tablespoons olive oil
½cup raw assorted nuts and seeds, like pecans, pepitas or cashews (or a combination), roughly chopped
Kosher salt
2teaspoons coarsely cracked black peppercorns
3medjool dates, pitted and torn (or ⅓ cup dried fruit, chopped if large)
1tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1large head broccoli (about 1½ pounds)

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Preparation

Step 1
To a medium skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and the assorted nuts and seeds. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the nuts and seeds look golden and smell toasty, 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 2
Season generously with salt, then add the pepper and dates. Cook, stirring frequently, until the dates are plump and the pepper is aromatic, about 1 minute. Remove from heat, stir in the lemon juice, and set aside.
Step 3
Heat the broiler to high and place a rimmed sheet pan on the oven rack about 6 inches below the broiler.
Step 4
Trim the dry end off the broccoli and peel the stem. Cut broccoli stem in half lengthwise, then pull it apart to break the head in half. Cut into individual florets, each with a long spear of stem attached. Wash broccoli, then dry thoroughly in a salad spinner. (If you don’t have a salad spinner, bundle the broccoli in a large kitchen towel and spin it around outside.)
Step 5
In a large mixing bowl, toss broccoli with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, rubbing it well with your hands to coat evenly and thoroughly. Season with kosher salt. Arrange broccoli on the heated sheet pan, then broil until crisp-tender and charred in spots, 8 to 10 minutes. (Keep a close eye on it, as different broilers have different power levels.)
Step 6
Transfer the broccoli to a platter, spoon over the nut and date mixture, and serve immediately.

Ratings

5 out of 5

799 user ratings

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Comments

Lisa1 year ago

Fine idea, except why bother with the broiler? Put the cruciforms back in the still-hot pan, and stir around while they blacken. I add a little water at the end and put a lit on to get a little steam cooking if needed. Add the other ingredients for some more heat just before serving. One pan, no waiting.

Ed S1 year ago

I prefer to roast the broccoli at @425* for about 20 minutes to deepen the flavor while remaining crunchy. Also provides a larger margin of error to avoid over charring.

Sharoba1 year ago

This nut-date topping is fantastic. I used pecans and pistachios, charred the broccoli and served it over farro. Delicious!

Ron Nemirow1 month ago

I used roasted mixed nuts and pumpkin seeds. I cooked the broccoli as instructed in the air fryer. Favorably received

Wendy1 month ago

Made this for Mother's Day. Was a huge hit. The nut & date topping will be a go-to for me as it's easy to make and will work well over other veggies or even salads. I happened to have dates at home. But if out, dried cranberries or raisins would work well. I wasn't able to get the broccoli stems crispy, even on broil high for 12 min. They were bit soft. Crowns were fine. I'll try drying it even more next time. And I might skip the step to peel the stems.

Ekta Jain1 month ago

My broccoli hating husband absolutely devoured this. I added sesame seeds, cashews and walnuts. I realized cashews roast quickly so maybe add it a minute later than the walnuts. I will add few more dates and probably chop up the broccoli after cooking so i get all bits in one spoonful 🥹

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