Charred Broccoli Crostini Recipes

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When the oil is heated, add the broccoli, flat sides down, in an even layer, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let the broccoli cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. Flip the broccoli and continue cooking until the broccoli is tender-crisp, an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the broccoli to a plate and set aside.
• Turn the heat down to low and add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Add the garlic, shallot and chile flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the lemon zest and juice and stir to combine.
• Spoon the lemon-shallot mixture over the broccoli and serve.

Steps:

• Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking. In a medium bowl, drizzle the broccolini with olive oil and season with salt. Toss to coat. Place the broccolini on the hot pan or griddle but do not crowd (if using a 12-inch cast iron you can do two batches) Allow to sear, undisturbed, for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side for 2 to 3 minutes, until the edges of the florets are a deep brown and the stems are tender and bright green with charring on the edges. Turn off the heat. Return the broccolini to the bowl. Season with a couple turns of black pepper. Add the grated garlic and lemon zest and toss to coat. Season to taste.
• To serve, spoon some Ricotta (recipe follows) in the center of a plate. Arrange the broccolini around the cheese, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, if using, flakey salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve with lemon wedges.
• Line a colander or large sieve with 1 layer of very fine cheesecloth (or 2 to 3 layers of more porous cloth) and set over a large bowl.
• To make the cheese, combine the milk and salt in a non-reactive pot over medium heat. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally until it reaches 175 degrees F, 20 to 25 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice. Gently stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until chunks form and separate from the whey (this happens within 30 seconds or so). Don't stir too often or vigorously or the curds will break. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the curds into the prepared cheesecloth-lined sieve. Allow to sit and strain for 20 minutes. Serve immediately at room temperature or transfer the ricotta cheese into an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Steps:

• Cut 1 head broccoli into florets. Peel the stem, shave into ribbons and soak in ice water. Heat 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets; cook, stirring occasionally, until charred, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon capers to the skillet; cook 30 seconds, then add to the broccoli. Drain the shaved broccoli stem; add to the bowl with the florets and toss with 1 tablespoon each lemon juice and olive oil, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1/3 cup grated parmesan, and salt and pepper.
• Serves: 4 (side); Calories: 184; Total Fat: 14 grams; Saturated Fat: 3 grams; Protein: 7 grams; Total carbohydrates: 11 grams; Sugar: 0 grams; Fiber: 4 grams; Cholesterol: 5 milligrams; Sodium: 352 milligrams

Steps:

• Whisk 2 tablespoons each soy sauce and rice vinegar with 4 teaspoons each sesame oil and honey; season with salt and pepper. Thinly slice 2 cups shiitake mushroom caps and 1 shallot; add to the dressing. Toss 2 heads chopped broccoli with vegetable oil; cook on a hot grill pan, 2 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with the dressing, some sesame seeds and a thinly sliced red jalapeno.

Steps:

• Prepare a grill or grill pan for medium-high heat.
• Place the broccoli rabe on a sheet of aluminum foil that is large enough to fold over and seal in the rabe. Drizzle the broccoli rabe with the olive oil and sprinkle with the salt and red pepper flakes. With your hands, toss gently to coat. Fold the foil over the broccoli rabe and crimp all sides to seal. Place the sealed packet on the grill and allow to steam for 8 minutes.
• Open the packet, being careful not to burn yourself with the steam that escapes. Using tongs, place the broccoli rabe directly on the grill. Cook on the first side until lightly charred in spots, about 2 minutes, then turn over and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove to a platter to serve.

Steps:

• Set up your grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only.
• Trim the bottom inch off of the broccoli stems and discard or save in your freezer for a soup. Quarter the broccoli lengthwise into large pieces and place in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Place the broccoli on the direct heat side of the grill and char on all sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Move to the indirect side of the grill, close the grill lid and roast until cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, scallions, vinegar, dill, brown sugar and mustard. Season to taste with the fresh nutmeg, salt and pepper. Remove the broccoli to a serving platter and drizzle with as much of the buttermilk dressing as you'd like. Top with the dried cherries and peanuts. Serve!