GOODNESS
Broccoli: Although not the favorite of many kids, broccoli is one of the healthiest foods you can find. It is a member of the cabbage family and is rich in isothiocyanates, sulforaphanes and indoles, which are big words for powerful cancer fighters. It is chock full of nutrition, and on top of it all is good for your eyes. All parts of the broccoli are good for you, including the stems and leaves. Even the sprouts are touted as alarmingly healthy. So it's probably time to get over your aversion and bite the broccoli.

Garlic: Garlic is in the same family as onions and leeks, and purportedly provided ancient Roman soldiers the courage to battle the barbarians. Whether or not it gives you courage, it is known to lower blood pressure, which is great for your heart and helps prevent stroke. In addition, it has a long history as a digestive aid, so don't be shy with this wonderful herb, no matter what it does to your breath!

Oregano: This tasty herb finds itself in much Mediterranean cooking, and is just loaded with nutrients. It is good for the digestion, and has many powerful anti-oxidants (even more than blueberries) and anti-carcinogens. It also has antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. As if that weren't enough, is also an antifungal, even taking on the notorious candida yeast. You want to use fresh oregano, as the dried herb loses the volatile oils that are responsible for its many benefits.
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Recipe

Braised Broccoli with Olives

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 29

ingredients

  • 4 small heads broccoli or 1 1/2 or more pounds broccoli sprouts
  • sea salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped marjoram or oregano
  • 3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive paste or finely chopped Gaeta olives
  • grated zest of 1/2 lemon

directions

Separate the stalks from the broccoli crowns. Thickly peel and trim the stalks and chop them into 0.5 inch pieces. Peel the base of the broccoli crowns, then separate them into florets.

Bring 2 quarts water to a boil, add salt, then the broccoli. Cook for 5 minutes (even if the water barely returns to the boil), then scoop into a colander to drain, reserving a cup of the water. Chop into small pieces just smaller than bite-sized.

Warm the olive oil in a wide skillet, then add the onion, marjoram, and garlic. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring now and then, until the onion is softened, 6 minutes. Stir in the olive paste, add the broccoli and stir to coat well. Taste for salt, season with pepper, and add the lemon zest. Add the reserved broccoli water and simmer gently until the broccoli is very tender, 18 minutes.