Basics for the novice cook | ||
Broccoli | ||
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If you don't need all the broccoli at once, just cut off what you need, and then remove say 2cms from the thick end of the stem and stand it in a glass of water for 30 minutes. This will revive it and help it to keep for a few extra days. To boil, put the florets in a saucepan of clean cold water and heat on the hob. When the water is boiling, add a teaspoon of salt, and turn the heat down to a gentle boil. The broccoli will be cooked after 5 or 6 minutes - turn off the heat and drain out the water. Serve. Broccoli makes a colourful addition to stir frys; Cut the broccoli exactly as described above, and then cut the larger pieces into halves (or quarters depending on size). Add to the wok towards the end of whatever you are cooking and stir fry gently for about 2 or 3 minutes, being careful not to cause too much damage to the florets. |
To prepare broccoli: The thickest part of the stem will be a bit on the woody side so, using a sharp knife, carefully remove the tender parts with the florets attached for cooking.
