2 pounds broccoli crowns (cut into florets, stems thinly sliced)
¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick or vegan butter (like Miyoko's Kitchen) or more to taste)
1 teaspoon sea salt + more to taste if desired
freshly ground black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Other optional condiments: freshly grated Parmesan cheese (drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil)
Steps
Grease a 3-quart baking dish or heat-proof bowl with butter or olive oil.
Steam broccoli florets until tender, about 5-8 minutes. This can be done using a steamer basket or by bringing an inch of water to boil in a large pot, adding broccoli and cooking until tender. Do not undercook, otherwise the puree will not be smooth.
Working in batches if necessary, add the steamed broccoli and remaining ingredients to a food processor and puree until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. The broccoli must be pureed while it is warm. (Do not cook broccoli, chill and then puree.)
Spoon puree into baking dish, cover, and keep warm in the oven until ready to serve. Top with freshly grated cheese and/or lemon olive oil, if desired.
Reviews
Ora on 2025-05-21 (5 stars): Delicious! All dinner guests enjoyed it! Worked well for a dinner for 8 as I could make it the day before and cook it in the toaster oven without having to use my main oven.
Susanne on 2023-04-08 (5 stars): Thanks for this delicious recipe! We love it so much! I now would like to serve it for our Easter dinner along with some other side dishes. Can I prepare it in advance and reheat in the microwave instead of the oven?
Thanks so much for your help
Kate on 2021-02-23 (4 stars): I remember discovering this and a roasted red pepper puree in a European cookbook many years ago- Dr Ötker maybe? The book grew feet and left me so seeing this is an excellent reminder.
I realized my osso bucco recipe was in there too so I need that.
After a series of cooking related traumas I can't cook so I coach my partner and he's doing this broccoli right now.
