Broccoli Purée Recipe

If you’re looking for a way to transform humble broccoli into a smooth, creamy, and utterly irresistible side dish, Broccoli Purée is your new go-to. This vibrant green purée is astonishingly easy to prepare, with a comforting texture and flavors that will make even the most devoted mashed potato fans pause for a second serving. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you crave something warming yet fresh, and it’s perfect for everything from elegant dinners to cozy weeknight meals. Whether you serve Broccoli Purée as a stand-alone star or let it share the plate with your favorite mains, it’s the kind of dish you’ll feel proud to share—and eager to savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Broccoli Purée Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making delicious Broccoli Purée doesn’t require a sprawling ingredient list—just a handful of kitchen staples, each playing a starring role in taste, texture, and that signature eye-catching color. Each item here brings its own little touch of magic, ensuring your dish is creamy, luscious, and packed with flavor.

  • Broccoli: Choose one large, fresh head (about 1 pound) for a purée that’s vibrant and full of green goodness.
  • Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and a rich depth of flavor—don’t skip it for that classic silky texture!
  • Heavy cream or whole milk: Just a touch makes the purée velvety-smooth; opt for cream if you’re after pure indulgence, or milk for something lighter.
  • Garlic clove (optional): Try adding a garlic clove for a subtle aromatic note that elevates the natural sweetness of the broccoli.
  • Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors forward—taste as you go to get it just right.
  • Black pepper: A bit of freshly cracked black pepper brings a gentle heat and complexity.
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional): A squeeze brightens up the whole purée and makes every bite sing.

How to Make Broccoli Purée

Step 1: Prep Your Broccoli

Start by cutting your broccoli into medium florets; uniform pieces help everything cook evenly. If you see thick stems with tough skin, just peel them and slice into smaller chunks—you don’t want to waste any of that sweet, tender broccoli! Wash everything thoroughly, and set aside your garlic clove if you’re choosing to add a gentle, savory undertone to your Broccoli Purée.

Step 2: Boil Until Tender and Vibrant

Bring a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets plus the garlic clove (if using), and let them cook for 5 to 6 minutes. You’re aiming for broccoli that is fork-tender (think: soft enough to blend perfectly), but still a lovely, lively shade of green. That balance keeps the flavor bright and fresh. Once done, drain the broccoli well—you want as little extra water as possible for a purée that’s silky but not watery.

Step 3: Blend to Silky Perfection

Transfer your hot broccoli and garlic straight into a food processor or blender. Toss in the butter, pour in the heavy cream or milk, and sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Now, blend until the Broccoli Purée is impeccably smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape the sides as needed. For an extra-light finish, drizzle in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and blend one last time. Taste, adjust seasoning, and admire the color—it’s the green of your dreams!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon your Broccoli Purée into a serving bowl while still warm. Give it one final taste-test (the cook’s reward!), then decide if it needs another pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon to really pop. It’s now ready to share its velvety magic as a fantastic accompaniment at your table.

How to Serve Broccoli Purée

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil is often all you need to finish Broccoli Purée. For an elegant touch, add a handful of chopped herbs (chives, parsley, or dill), a shower of microgreens, or even a little grated Parmesan for extra depth. Toasted pine nuts or a few lemon zest shavings make for a pretty and flavorful finish, too.

Side Dishes

Broccoli Purée is one of those versatile sides that goes wonderfully with almost anything. It’s heavenly alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or tender steaks; try it next to pork chops or a hearty grain bowl for a pop of color and a boost of veggies. It’s also a great replacement for mashed potatoes if you want something a bit lighter and fresher.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a bit fancy, smear the Broccoli Purée on the plate as a vibrant base for meats or roasted vegetables—it instantly elevates the meal! You can swirl it into a soup for added silkiness, use it as a layer in a savory tart, or even spoon dollops into little bowls as an elegant starter. Kids especially love eating it as a “green mash”—a fun twist that might help them love their veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Broccoli Purée keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool before storing, and give it a quick stir before serving again—the flavors only seem to get better overnight!

Freezing

If you want to make Broccoli Purée ahead for busy nights or future dinners, simply portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay the bags flat so they freeze quickly and stack easily. When frozen, it’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready to add instant color and nutrition to your meals.

Reheating

Reheating your Broccoli Purée is easy—just gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it looks a little thick after chilling or freezing, just add a splash of cream or milk and stir as it warms. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, mixing in between to keep things silky and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well and is super convenient. Just skip any sauce packets, boil until tender, and continue with the recipe as written. The final flavor is still delicious, though you might lose a bit of that fresh broccoli brightness.

Is Broccoli Purée healthy?

Yes, it’s definitely a healthy side dish—broccoli is packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and loads of antioxidants. If you want to make it lighter, swap the cream for milk or vegetable broth, and use a bit less butter.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Of course! Substitute the butter for vegan butter or a touch of olive oil, and use oat milk, almond milk, or even a splash of vegetable broth in place of dairy. The result is every bit as creamy and comforting.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

No problem—a regular blender works, or even an immersion blender if you blend straight in the pot. For a chunkier texture, you can use a potato masher; it won’t be as smooth, but it’ll still be delicious!

How can I add extra flavor to the Broccoli Purée?

Experiment with a little grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or even a pinch of smoked paprika. You could also swap in scallions or shallots instead of garlic, or stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for tanginess.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a side dish that feels as inviting as mashed potatoes but celebrates broccoli’s green goodness, give this Broccoli Purée a try. It’s simple, comforting, and gorgeous on the plate—the kind of dish that quietly steals the show at any meal. I hope you fall in love with it as much as I have!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Broccoli Purée Recipe

Broccoli Purée Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Description

Creamy and flavorful, this Broccoli Purée is a delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. With its velvety texture and vibrant color, this simple recipe is sure to become a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 1 large head of broccoli (about 1 pound, cut into florets)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1 garlic clove (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and garlic clove (if using) and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the broccoli is very tender but still bright green.
  2. Blend Ingredients: Drain well and transfer the broccoli and garlic to a food processor or blender. Add the butter, cream or milk, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding fresh lemon juice if desired for extra brightness. Serve warm as a side dish.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute vegetable broth for the cream.
  • Broccoli purée pairs well with roasted meats, fish, or as a base for grain bowls.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop, Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: about 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star