Q&A for How to Cook Broccoli

Broccoli is an ideal stir-fry vegetable. It can either be added as part of a vegetable or meat stir-fry dish, or it can be the staple vegetable of the stir-fry. To prepare broccoli for stir-fry, clean by washing, then break it into small florets. Use as the recipe directs but usually it will cook within 3 to 5 minutes.

Broccoli can be blanched as follows: Wash, then cut into florets. Fill a pan with water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to boiling, then add the broccoli florets. Allow to boil for 1 to 2 minutes but not more, as you're only wanting it to be semi-cooked. Use as directed or serve immediately with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of olive oil and some salt and pepper for seasoning.

Yes, broccoli can be puréed. To do so, choose a cooking method first, such as boiling, steaming or microwaving it. Then remove from the heat and purée it. You can include the stems and these must be cooked a little longer to ensure they can be puréed.

Yes, the stems of broccoli are edible. To prepare a broccoli stem, cut away from the florets. Then peel off the any thicker parts of the stem using a vegetable peeler. It is then ready to be sliced.

Yes, you can cook broccoli in the microwave by placing it in a bowl and adding about 2 to 3 tablespoons of water per pound. Microwave on high for about two minutes, then check for tenderness.

Add baking soda while boiling them. They should regain their dark green color.

Yes, you can. Be sure to wash it thoroughly before eating it though.

Black pepper, red chilli flakes, rock salt, and turmeric are a few great spices and seasonings which work wonderfully with broccoli.

Not any more than with any other method of cooking. Microwaves just heat polar molecules up.

You can, but it won't taste very good, so I don't recommend it.

Yes, you can prepare it by boiling for up to a minute and a half. Put the cooked broccoli in ice water as soon as you remove it from the pot, because it doesn't stop cooking after removing it from the heat.

You can put it in a covered pot and boil it for a few minutes with a little water in the bottom. You can also find a cheap steamer at a thrift store or a yard sale.