Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable that is loved by many for its mild flavor and health benefits. However, some find plain broccoli to be bland or boring. Fortunately, there are many great spices that can be used to enhance the flavor of broccoli and make it more exciting to eat.
Why Add Spices to Broccoli?
There are several reasons why you may want to spice up your broccoli:
- Add more flavor – Spices can complement and enhance the underlying sweet, earthy flavors of broccoli.
- Make it more interesting – Spices add complexity, depth, and excitement to a dish.
- Introduce new flavors – Depending on the spices used, you can give broccoli Mexican, Italian, Indian or other cultural flavor profiles.
- Increase nutritional value – Many spices provide additional vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
- Balance taste – Spices can help balance out broccoli’s bitterness.
- Cater to different preferences – Not everyone likes plain broccoli, but the right spices can make it more palatable.
The key is choosing the right spices that will flavor and enhance broccoli without overpowering it. Here are some of the best options:
Spices That Go Well with Broccoli
Garlic
Garlic is one of the most popular and versatile spices to use with broccoli. Its strong, pungent and slightly sweet flavor complements the earthy taste of broccoli. Garlic also adds a wonderful aroma. It can be roasted along with broccoli or added to it near the end of cooking. Garlic pairs especially well with lemon and parmesan cheese on broccoli.
Lemon
Bright, citrusy lemon juice and zest cut through broccoli’s dense flavor and bring out its crisp, sweet notes. Lemon juice also helps soften broccoli as it cooks. Sprinkle some lemon zest over roasted broccoli, or drizzle lemon juice over steamed broccoli right before serving. Lemon goes well with garlic, Parmesan, red pepper flakes and herbs like dill.
Parmesan Cheese
Nutty, salty Parmesan cheese dramatically elevates broccoli’s flavor. The sharp cheese balances out broccoli’s slight bitterness. Grate Parmesan over roasted broccoli or add shavings to fresh broccoli. Parmesan pairs wonderfully with broccoli’s other top seasoning friends like garlic, lemon and pepper.
Red Pepper Flakes
A sprinkle of red pepper flakes delivers a hit of heat and spice to broccoli without being too overpowering. It kicks the flavor up a notch and adds another dimension that plays off the vegetable’s earthy character. Use it to amp up roasted broccoli, pasta dishes, casseroles and more. Red pepper flakes go well with Parmesan and lemon.
Salt
A small amount of salt is a simple but highly effective way to boost the natural flavor of broccoli without altering it too much. Salt enhances and balances broccoli’s subtle sweetness and slight bitterness. Sprinkle on some kosher salt when roasting broccoli to lightly season and draw out moisture.
Black Pepper
Freshly cracked black pepper gives broccoli a touch of warmth and spice. Its mild heat and slight fruitiness complements broccoli’s flavor. Black pepper pairs well with most seasonings so it’s a versatile option. Try it with lemon, Parmesan, garlic, herbs and olive oil.
Olive Oil
Good quality extra virgin olive oil can totally transform broccoli. Drizzle it over cooked broccoli or use it to roast broccoli in the oven. The fruity, peppery olive oil flavor balances and rounds out the vegetable’s earthiness. Olive oil also softens broccoli. It goes well with Parmesan, garlic, herbs and black pepper.
Cumin
Earthy, nutty cumin adds exotic warmth and smokiness to broccoli. It’s commonly used in Indian and Mexican cuisine. Try roasting broccoli with a sprinkle of cumin powder, or add cumin seeds to oil when sautéing broccoli. Cumin pairs well with turmeric, chili powder, curry powder, garlic and lime.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright orange-yellow spice that gives broccoli a vibrant color and earthy, slightly bitter flavor. It is commonly used in Indian cuisine. The anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric also complement broccoli’s nutrients. Use turmeric powder when roasting broccoli in the oven or mixing up a curry sauce. Turmeric goes well with cumin, curry powder and ginger.
Paprika
Paprika adds a touch of sweetness, smokiness and mild heat to broccoli. Sprinkle it on before roasting in the oven or mix into a casserole dish. The range of flavored paprikas like smoked, spicy and Hungarian enhance broccoli’s flavor even more. Pair paprika with garlic, cumin and olive oil.
Dill
The fresh, grassy flavor of dill brightens up broccoli and adds complexity. Use fresh dill fronds to garnish steamed broccoli or add chopped dill when sautéing or roasting broccoli. Dill goes nicely with lemon, garlic, pepper and Parmesan cheese on broccoli. Dried dill can also be used but provides less flavor.
Oregano
Warm, peppery, slightly minty oregano livens up broccoli with its strong herbal aroma and taste. Oregano pairs especially well with tomato sauce atop broccoli. It also complements broccoli when roasting or sautéing. Use fresh oregano leaves just before serving. Oregano goes well with Parmesan, chili flakes, garlic and olive oil.
Curry Powder
Warm curry powder gives broccoli an enticing Indian flavor profile. It typically contains spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger and chili pepper. Quickly sauté broccoli with curry powder or use it when oven roasting. Curry powder pairs well with garlic, cilantro and yogurt sauce.
Nutmeg
Warm, slightly sweet nutmeg enhances broccoli’s natural flavor and adds interesting notes. Grate a small amount of fresh nutmeg over roasted or steamed broccoli just before serving. Nutmeg goes well with Parmesan cheese and lemon juice or zest.
How to Cook Broccoli with Spices
There are many simple ways to cook broccoli with spices:
- Roast – Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper and desired spices. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until crispy.
- Sauté – Cook broccoli florets in a skillet with oil or broth and add spices towards the end.
- Steam – Add whole spices like garlic cloves, peppercorns or cumin seeds to the steaming water. Sprinkle spices over steamed broccoli before serving.
- Soup – Simmer broccoli in broth with spices like turmeric, paprika, curry powder or garlic.
- Casseroles – Mix broccoli with spices, cheese, rice or other ingredients and bake into a casserole.
- Salads – Toss raw broccoli florets with fresh herbs, lemon juice, olive oil and salt.
- Stir fries – Quickly stir fry broccoli with oil, garlic, ginger and soy sauce or oyster sauce.
Start with small amounts of each spice and adjust to your taste preferences. Not all spices work well together, so choose 2-3 spices that have complementary flavors.
Spice Combinations for Broccoli
Here are some tasty spice combinations to use with broccoli:
| Spice Combination | Description |
|---|---|
| Garlic, lemon, Parmesan | Brings out broccoli’s crisp, sweet flavor |
| Cumin, curry powder, ginger | Warm Indian/South Asian spice profile |
| Paprika, oregano, red pepper | Savory Mediterranean flavor |
| Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic | Full-flavored Asian taste |
| Chili powder, cumin, lime | Zesty Mexican inspired blend |
Conclusion
Broccoli can be livened up with an array of delicious spices. Garlic, lemon, Parmesan, olive oil, cumin, turmeric, paprika, dill, oregano, curry powder and nutmeg are some of the best options. They introduce new flavors and balance out the mild, earthy taste of broccoli. Roasting, sautéing, steaming and stir frying are simple cooking methods to use. Combine complementary spices for maximum flavor impact. With the right spices, boring broccoli can be transformed into a mouthwatering dish.