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Roasted Broccoli with Olives, Garlic, Oregano, and Lemon

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on November 12, 2007

Time

35 minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Roasted Broccoli with Olives, Garlic, Oregano, and Lemon

Ingredients

1 large head broccoli (about 1 ¾ pounds)5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ½ teaspoon table salt ½ teaspoon sugar 5 medium garlic cloves, sliced thin½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons finely minced pitted black olives 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano leaves 2 teaspoons juice from 1 lemon

Before You Begin

Trim away the outer peel from the broccoli stalk, otherwise it will turn tough when cooked.

Instructions

  1. Adjust oven rack to lowest position, place large rimmed baking sheet on rack, and heat oven to 500 degrees. Cut broccoli at juncture of florets and stems; remove outer peel from stalk. Cut stalk into 2- to 3-inch lengths and each length into 1/2-inch-thick pieces. Cut crowns into 4 wedges if 3-4 inches in diameter or 6 wedges if 4-5 inches in diameter. Place broccoli in large bowl; drizzle with 3 tablespoons of oil and toss well until evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt and sugar to taste and toss to combine.
  2. Working quickly, remove baking sheet from oven. Carefully transfer broccoli to baking sheet and spread into even layer, placing flat sides down. Return baking sheet to oven and roast until stalks are well browned and tender and florets are lightly browned, 9 to 11 minutes.
  3. While broccoli roasts, heat remaining oil, garlic, and pepper flakes in 8-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is soft and beginning to turn light golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove skillet from heat; stir in olives, oregano, and lemon juice. Toss roasted broccoli with olive mixture and serve immediately.
Roasted Broccoli with Olives, Garlic, Oregano, and Lemon

Roasted Broccoli with Olives, Garlic, Oregano, and Lemon

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By America's Test Kitchen
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Time

35 minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 large head broccoli (about 1 ¾ pounds)
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon table salt
½ teaspoon sugar
5 medium garlic cloves, sliced thin
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons finely minced pitted black olives
1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano leaves
2 teaspoons juice from 1 lemon

Test Kitchen Techniques

Ingredients

1 large head broccoli (about 1 ¾ pounds)
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon table salt
½ teaspoon sugar
5 medium garlic cloves, sliced thin
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons finely minced pitted black olives
1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano leaves
2 teaspoons juice from 1 lemon

Test Kitchen Techniques

Ingredients

1 large head broccoli (about 1 ¾ pounds)
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon table salt
½ teaspoon sugar
5 medium garlic cloves, sliced thin
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons finely minced pitted black olives
1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano leaves
2 teaspoons juice from 1 lemon

Test Kitchen Techniques

Why This Recipe Works

We wanted a recipe to add concentrated flavor and dappled browning to broccoli and were able to get one by cutting the broccoli to maximize contact with the baking sheet. Slicing the crown in half and cutting each half into uniform wedges while cutting the stalks into rectangular pieces slightly smaller than the more delicate wedges promoted even cooking and browning, making for a perfect roasted broccoli recipe.

Before You Begin

Trim away the outer peel from the broccoli stalk, otherwise it will turn tough when cooked.

Instructions

  1. Adjust oven rack to lowest position, place large rimmed baking sheet on rack, and heat oven to 500 degrees. Cut broccoli at juncture of florets and stems; remove outer peel from stalk. Cut stalk into 2- to 3-inch lengths and each length into 1/2-inch-thick pieces. Cut crowns into 4 wedges if 3-4 inches in diameter or 6 wedges if 4-5 inches in diameter. Place broccoli in large bowl; drizzle with 3 tablespoons of oil and toss well until evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt and sugar to taste and toss to combine.
  2. Working quickly, remove baking sheet from oven. Carefully transfer broccoli to baking sheet and spread into even layer, placing flat sides down. Return baking sheet to oven and roast until stalks are well browned and tender and florets are lightly browned, 9 to 11 minutes.
  3. While broccoli roasts, heat remaining oil, garlic, and pepper flakes in 8-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is soft and beginning to turn light golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove skillet from heat; stir in olives, oregano, and lemon juice. Toss roasted broccoli with olive mixture and serve immediately.

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