The magic of broccoli

How much can one really like broccoli? I mean it's super healthy. Some sources say that broccoli contains twice the vitamin C of an orange, has a bunch of calcium (almost that much of whole milk), and contains minerals that have been found to have anti-cancer properties. With all this goodness, can this vegetable be delicious too? Hmmm... absolutely! In the dish below, broccoli is featured in three ways: raw, grilled, and sprouted. Yes. Broccoli seeds can be sprouted and they are super nutritious. See for yourself.

Penne pasta with raw broccoli and toasted pine nut pesto

The light, yet satisfying pesto is made from raw broccoli (mostly stems), lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, a bit of raw garlic, toasted pine nuts, sea salt, black peppers, and extra-virgin olive oil. You can use raw pine nuts too, but be sure to taste the pine nuts as some of the raw stuff has a particular nuance about them which roasting helps absorb. Bite-sized broccoli florets were lightly tossed in a bit of extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grilled. Then toss the cooked penne (cooked in salt water, of course) with the pesto, broccoli florets, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, a splash of lemon juice, and a hint of Hawaiian sea salt. And last, but certainly not least, the dish is garnished with broccoli sprouts and whole leaf Italian parsley. Thanks broccoli!