How enchanting! Seriously, with the steam rising from this adorable forest of broccoli, how could anyone resist it? My entire family LOVED this dish, and it's a fun way to present some veggies and whole grains together for supper. My three year old kept asking for 'more trees'--and he doesn't usually devour broccoli like that! We ate it alongside some grilled chicken tenders, but honestly, I think this could be a meal in itself (and it was-- the leftovers made me a filling lunch for 2 days). The rice had such a good flavor with the fresh dill, parsley and a touch of cayenne. I did not add the mint or the sunflower seeds, but I think I'll try it next time. Also, I added more cayenne than I thought I wanted (my hand slipped!), and the extra spice was just right, even for the kids.
Enchanted Broccoli Forest
First: Cook 2 cups brown or white rice, fluff with a fork and set aside.
Ingredients:
1 lb bunch of broccoli cayenne to taste
1 T. butter or canola oil 2 T. minced fresh dill (2 t. dried)
1 c. chopped onion 3 T. fresh mint (3 t. dried)
3/4 t. salt 1/4 c. minced fresh parsley
1 large garlic clove, minced 1/2 c. toasted sunflower seeds (optional)
2 T. fresh lemon juice 1 packed cup grated cheddar or swiss (optional)
about 6 cups cooked rice a little melted butter for the top (optional)
1. Trim the tough bottoms from the broccoli stalks, and cut the tops into smallish spears of whatever size suits you. Cook them in a steamer over boiling water until bright green and just barely tender (I did about 5 minutes). Rinse under cold running water, drain well, and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 325. Lightly grease a 9x13 in. baking pan.
3. Melt butter or heat the oil in a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven. Add the onion and salt, and saute over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the onion begins to soften. Add the garlic and lemon juice, and saute for about 2 minutes longer. Stir in the rice, some black pepper and cayenne to taste, the herbs, and the optional sunflower seeds and/or cheese (cheese is NOT optional in my family!). Taste to correct salt, if necessary, and spread into the prepared pan.
4. Now for the fun part. Arrange the broccoli upright in the rice, and, if desired, drizzle with melted butter. Cover loosely with foil, and bake until just heated through (15 to 20 minutes). Serve right away.
Source: The New Enchanted Broccoli Forest by Mollie Katzen
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