Heart-Healthy Cheesy Broccoli
Indulge in a guilt-free, flavor-packed side dish with this Heart-Healthy Cheesy Broccoli recipe! Perfectly steamed broccoli florets are sautéed in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil and smothered in a velvety "cheese" sauce made from nutritional yeast, unsweetened almond milk, and a hint of lemon for a zesty punch. This vegan, dairy-free, and low-sodium dish is a nutrient powerhouse, ideal for anyone seeking to incorporate more plant-based options into their meals. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, it's a quick and wholesome option for busy weeknights. Serve it as a savory side or enjoy it as a light yet satisfying main course. This recipe is the ultimate blend of indulgence and heart-smart eating!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Begin by preparing the broccoli. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water to clean them. Cut them into bite-sized pieces if necessary and set aside.
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil. Once heated, add the garlic cloves, minced. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir them to coat with the olive oil and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is starting to become tender.
Pour the low-sodium vegetable broth into the skillet with the broccoli and cover it with a lid. Let it steam for about 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender.
While the broccoli is steaming, prepare the cheesy sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the nutritional yeast, unsweetened almond milk, cornstarch, lemon juice, ground mustard, black pepper, and paprika.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk continuously until the mixture begins to thicken, which should take about 5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat.
Once the broccoli is steamed to your desired tenderness, pour the prepared cheesy sauce over the broccoli in the skillet. Stir well so that all the florets are evenly coated and heated through.
Serve the heart-healthy cheesy broccoli immediately as a side dish or a light main course. Enjoy your nutritious meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
493 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.4 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 412 mg | 18% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.2 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g | ||
| Protein | 24.8 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.2 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 624 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 688 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
