Lemon Garlic Broccoli over Hummus
If you want a dish that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, try this Lemon Garlic Broccoli over smooth, creamy Hummus. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a quick lunch, or an impressive appetizer for your next gathering, Lemon Garlic Broccoli Over Hummus is a versatile and satisfying choice. This dish is easy to prepare, offers a burst of fresh flavors, and is perfect for those looking to eat more plant-based meals.
Why Lemon Garlic Broccoli Over Hummus?
The combination of sautéed broccoli, a tangy lemon, and the richness of garlic is undeniably delightful. Add the smooth texture of hummus, and you’ve created a dish that satisfies the need for savory, fresh, and creamy textures all in one.
1. A Nutrient Powerhouse
Broccoli is often touted as one of the healthiest vegetables available, and for good reason. It’s packed with vitamins C, K, and A, as well as folate, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients help boost immunity, improve digestion, and support overall cellular health. When paired with garlic, which contains sulfur compounds with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, the health benefits increase even further.
Hummus, made primarily from chickpeas (garbanzo beans), offers an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s also rich in iron and magnesium, which contribute to muscle function and energy production.
Together, broccoli, garlic, and hummus create a dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritionally dense and satisfying.
2. A Flavor Explosion
The flavor profile of this dish is simply irresistible. The bitterness of roasted or sautéed broccoli is perfectly balanced by the acidity of fresh lemon juice and the depth of flavor brought by garlic. The hummus provides a smooth, creamy contrast that makes each bite feel indulgent, even though it’s a healthy option.
Lemon brightens the whole dish with a citrusy zing that cuts through the richness of the hummus, while garlic imparts a robust umami flavor. Whether you choose to sauté or roast the broccoli, the caramelization that occurs brings out a deeper, slightly sweet flavor that complements the sharpness of the garlic and the tang of the lemon.
3. Simple Yet Elegant
This dish may seem deceptively simple, but it’s elegant in its execution. The fresh, bold flavors are a reminder that good food doesn’t need to be overly complicated or require exotic ingredients. With just a few basic components—broccoli, lemon, garlic, and hummus—you can create a beautiful and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress friends and family.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic broccoli:
- Broccoli florets
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Red onion
- Lemon
- Red chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hummus (find the recipe in the recipe card bellow)
- Optional toppings: fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro
How to make Lemon Garlic Broccoli?
- Cut Broccoli into florets and quickly boil them for 3-4 minutes.
2. Heat up olive oil and fry the lemon slices.
3. Add garlic and onion
4. Add Broccoli, salt, black pepper and chili flakes
Creative Variations to Try
While the basic recipe is simple and delicious, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to inspire you:
1. Add Protein
If you want to turn this dish into a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein source like tofu or legumes. You can top the hummus with sautéed tempeh or roasted chickpeas for added texture and protein.
2. Experiment with Hummus Flavors
While classic hummus is always a good choice, there are so many hummus variations to try. Consider trying my other hummus flavors like Beetroot Hummus, Sweet Potato Miso Hummus, Mung Bean Hummus or Red Lentil Hummus without Tahini to complement the flavors of the broccoli. The different flavors will bring new dimensions to the dish.
3. Incorporate Nuts or Seeds
To add some crunch and healthy fats, sprinkle toasted pine nuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds on top of the dish. These will give a nice texture contrast and additional flavor.
4. Vegan and Gluten-Free Adaptations
This dish is already naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for anyone with dietary restrictions. However, if you want to make it extra comforting, serve it with gluten-free pita bread, or add a side of quinoa or rice to turn it into a hearty grain bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Broccoli over Hummus?
- Easy and Quick: The entire dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy days.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this dish is perfect for supporting overall health.
- Customizable: Whether you want to make it spicier, creamier, or heartier, there are countless ways to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prepping.
Check out more recipes:
Savory Chickpea Granola Clusters
Lemon Garlic Broccoli over Hummus
Ingredients
Hummus
- 1 can (1 ½ cup) chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 1 clove garlic
- Juice of ½ lemon (2tbsp)
- ½ tsp cumin
- ⅓ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold water
Broccoli
- 2 cup broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic thinly chopped
- 3 slices lemon (½ cm rounds)
- ½ red onion finelly chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp red chili flakes
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 handful chopped parsley to garnish optional
Instructions
- Start by making hummus. In a blender or food processor add chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, salt, cumin and water. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more water if the consistency is to thick.
- Wash the broccoli thoroughly. Cut it into florets if using fresh broccoli. In a large pot add 4-5 cups water and bring to a boil. Boil the florets for 3-4 minutes until tender and immediatelly remove from water. Let it cool down.
- In a pan heat up olive oil and add lemon slices. Fry for 2 minutes, then add sliced garlic and chopped onion. Saute for another 3-4 minutes then add boiled broccoli with salt, black pepper and chili flakes. Cook for about 3 minutes and garnish with parsley.
- Assemble the dish. In a serving plate layer some homemade hummus, then add lemon garlic broccoli over the top. Drizzle with olive oil and serve!
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