My daughter-in-law gave me this recipe and it’s probably the easiest recipe for broccoli ever.  I used to always steam mine and it took so long.  This is really quick and easy.  For the recipe, I use two or three broccoli crowns.  (This depends on the size of the broccoli in the stores that week.)  You can include the stem if you’d like but my family doesn’t like the stem because it’s tougher and takes a little longer to cook. Also, it will look like a lot of broccoli when you put it in the bowl but don’t worry, it will reduce in size while cooking.  The amount we’re cooking feeds three people.

Nuked Broccoli

2 or 3 broccoli crowns (stem parts removed) and broken into pieces

butter

salt, pepper, garlic powder

large bowl

Soak the broccoli good in a bowl with lemon juice, vinegar and water for 10-15 minutes.  This will remove any little “critter” hidden inside the floret. (Do this also for cauliflower and any other veggie with dense clusters.)  Remove the stem parts, unless you like them, and cut or break into pieces. Place in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder then give it a little toss.  Cut the butter into small slices and place on top of the broccoli.  You’ll want to almost cover the entire top.  (The fat free butter is fine to use.)

Now, put a lid on the bowl but don’t seal it. You’ll want it to be loose so some steam can escape.  Place in microwave and cook for six minutes.  Because some people like their broccoli crisp and others like it soft, you will need to taste it or poke a fork in it to see if it needs to go longer. If you think it needs a little more time, cook for one minute. Do this until it gets to where you want it.  When done, hold the lid on and give it a good shake.  This will cover all broccoli with the butter and mix the seasonings throughout.

My daughter likes to take the broccoli, put it on her plate, and sprinkle with just a little bit of shredded mozzarella cheese.  She then puts it back into the microwave for a few seconds–just long enough to start melting the cheese.  My dad used to melt a stick of butter and add a little lemon juice to it. He would then dip his broccoli. I think adding a little lemon juice to the broccoli while cooking and then giving it a good shake after it’s done would also be a good alternative. Enjoy!