Zesty Lemon-Butter Broccoli Delight
Elevate your vegetable side dish with this vibrant Zesty Lemon-Butter Broccoli Delight. Made with fresh broccoli spears, this elegant preparation boasts a rich buttery flavor balanced by the bright notes of lemon. Perfect for dinner parties or a simple weeknight meal, this dish not only pleases the palate but also fits into your Weight Watchers plan at just 1 point per cup. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a hint of minced garlic for an extra flavor twist. For convenience, you can also make this recipe with frozen broccoli spears. Indulge in this delicious and guilt-free way to enjoy your greens!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
broccoli
1 bunch (cut into spears (about 1 1/2 lbs.))
unsalted butter
5 teaspoons (melted)
fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
freshly grated black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the broccoli: Cut the broccoli into long spears, discarding the thick stem ends to create attractive portions.
2
Steam or cook the broccoli spears in boiling water for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still bright green; then remove and drain them well.
3
In a large non-stick skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Allow it to foam slightly, which indicates that it's hot enough.
4
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and cook for 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld and enhance the butter.
5
Add the cooked broccoli spears to the skillet, followed by the grated lemon zest, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
6
Gently toss the broccoli in the lemon-butter sauce for 1-2 minutes until it is evenly coated and warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as you want the spears to retain their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
7
For added flavor, consider garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or minced garlic as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon-Butter Broccoli Delight?
It is a vibrant vegetable side dish made with fresh broccoli spears tossed in a rich, tangy lemon-butter sauce.
How many Weight Watchers points is this recipe?
This recipe contains just 1 Weight Watchers point per cup.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, for convenience, you can use frozen broccoli spears to make this dish.
How do I prepare the broccoli spears?
Cut the broccoli into long spears and discard the thick stem ends to create attractive portions.
How long should the broccoli be cooked?
Steam or cook the broccoli in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes until tender but still bright green.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 5 teaspoons of unsalted butter.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
When do I add the lemon zest?
The grated lemon zest is added to the skillet after the broccoli has been combined with the lemon-butter sauce.
What can I add for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or minced garlic.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 primary ingredients: broccoli, unsalted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
How do I know when the butter is hot enough in the skillet?
Allow the butter to foam slightly in the skillet, which indicates it is hot enough to add the lemon juice.
How long should the lemon juice cook in the butter?
Stir in the lemon juice and cook for about 30 seconds to allow the flavors to meld.
How long do I toss the broccoli in the skillet?
Gently toss the broccoli in the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes until evenly coated and warmed through.
What texture should the broccoli have?
The broccoli should have a crisp-tender texture and retain its vibrant green color.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or you can season to taste.
How much black pepper should I add?
Use 1/8 teaspoon of freshly grated black pepper, or adjust to taste.
How much broccoli is needed for one batch?
The recipe uses 1 bunch of broccoli, which is approximately 1 1/2 lbs.
Is this dish suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, it is described as an elegant preparation that is perfect for dinner parties or simple weeknight meals.
What type of skillet is best for this recipe?
A large non-stick skillet is recommended for tossing the broccoli.
Does the recipe use fresh lemon zest?
Yes, it requires 1 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, vegetable-focused side dish.
Is the broccoli boiled or steamed?
The recipe allows for either steaming or cooking the broccoli spears in boiling water.
How many calories are in this dish?
The specific calorie count is not provided, but it is optimized for Weight Watchers at 1 point per cup.
What is the serving size for 1 Weight Watchers point?
The serving size is 1 cup of the prepared broccoli.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, minced garlic is an optional garnish for an extra flavor twist.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter to better control the sodium levels.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe.
What should I discard when preparing the broccoli?
You should discard the thick stem ends of the broccoli bunch.
Does this recipe work as a side dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a vegetable side dish.