Okay, I’m going to be totally real with you, I HATE wasting food. Not only do I feel horrible because I know having access to good, healthy food is a luxury, but it pains me to toss food that I paid good money for! Whenever I’m cooking a meal, I always try to be innovative in using every part of the ingredients I’m cooking with. It’s so important to try and be conscientious of how much you’re leaving as waste, and in an effort to combat that, I thought I’d give you a couple of ways to use something we’ve all been guilty of tossing away: broccoli stems.
It’s easy to forget that broccoli stems are just as (if not more) important than the florets. They’re packed full with calcium, iron, and Vitamin A – so when you’re throwing these babies away, you’re also missing out all of those awesome nutrients. Let’s fix that! I always feel so much better when I’m able to use every part of the ingredients I’m cooking with, and I bet you will too.
8 ways with broccoli stalksBroccoli fritters. Fritter lovers rejoice, these broccoli fritters are delicious. … Broccoli balls. … Broccoli and cheese filo parcels. … Brilliant Brassica Soup. … Broccoli and red onion salad with parsley vinaigrette. … Broccoli Empanadas. … Broccoli Pasta. … Broccoli stalk pesto.
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Broccoli fritters. Fritter lovers rejoice, these broccoli fritters are delicious. …
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Broccoli balls. …
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Broccoli and cheese filo parcels. …
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Brilliant Brassica Soup. …
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Broccoli and red onion salad with parsley vinaigrette. …
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Broccoli Empanadas. …
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Broccoli Pasta. …
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Broccoli stalk pesto.
Spiralize broccoli stalks to make noodles:
You guys know I love any excuse to use my spiralizer, and that definitely includes whipping up a batch of broccoli stem noodles. I’ve found that broccoli stem noodles are thicker than the typical zucchini noodles that I’m used to, but I actually kind of prefer the texture they add to a dish. If you want to try it out for yourself, check out my broccoli noodle stir-fry which uses the broccoli stems and florets and has an added protein-boost from shrimp!
You’ve likely tried cauliflower rice before, but have you tried broccoli rice? It’s so yummy and easy to make! Just use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer layer of the stalks. Chop into even chunks, about 2 inches long. Place the chunk into a food processor and pulse for a few seconds, just until the pieces are about the size of rice.
This one is simple. Blend the stalks up into a thick and delicious Broccoli Stem Hummus . . . perfect for dipping!
Before you throw away your broccoli stems, consider adding them in with some other vegetables to make a homemade veggie broth. They’re also the perfect addition to broccoli soup! Instead of only using the broccoli florets, chop up the broccoli stems and toss it in along with the rest of your ingredients.
Add the chopped stems to anything for an added texture:
I like adding broccoli stems to scrambled eggs, frittatas or casserole-type dishes. The stems can be tossed into just about anything and will automatically give whatever you’re cooking a heartier texture.
Don’t Toss Those Broccoli Stems!
FAQ
What can you do with broccoli stalks?
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What parts of broccoli are not edible?