Roasted Broccoli with Tahini Drizzle
Highlighted under: Balanced Kitchen
I absolutely love this Roasted Broccoli with Tahini Drizzle recipe! The combination of the crispy, roasted broccoli with the creamy tahini sauce is a match made in heaven. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. I enjoy experimenting with flavors, and this dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to add it to your weekly rotation.
When I first tried roasting broccoli, I was surprised by how much more flavor it brought forward. The crispy, slightly charred edges give the broccoli a whole new dimension that you simply can't achieve with steaming. After a few trials, I found that a weeknight dinner is enhanced beyond belief with just a drizzle of tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. I often find myself adding different spices or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick. The tahini drizzle can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, which is incredibly handy for busy weeknights. Trust me, this dish is a game-changer!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy roasted broccoli enhances the natural flavors
- Creamy tahini drizzle adds a nutty richness
- Quick and easy preparation for busy weeknights
Perfectly Roasting Broccoli
Achieving the perfect roast on broccoli is all about temperature and timing. Preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C) ensures that the broccoli cooks evenly and develops a lovely caramelization on the edges. During roasting, keep an eye on the florets; you want them to be tender yet firm, with some browned tips for added flavor. If they start to burn too quickly, reduce the heat to 400°F (200°C) and extend the cooking time.
For the best texture, arrange the broccoli florets in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece, leading to the ideal crispy exterior. If the florets are overcrowded, they'll steam instead of roast, giving you a less satisfying texture. Consider using a larger baking sheet or roasting them in batches if necessary.
The Role of Tahini
Tahini is more than just a creamy dressing; it adds a nutty richness that elevates simply roasted vegetables. Its high-fat content creates a luscious texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp broccoli. When making the tahini drizzle, remember that the consistency can be adjusted by adding water gradually. Start with a teaspoon at a time; you can always add more, but it's hard to fix if you overdo it.
If you're looking for a lighter alternative, consider using Greek yogurt mixed with tahini for a creamy dressing. This adds a tangy flavor profile while maintaining a similar texture. Alternatively, for a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter provides a comparable creaminess and flavor, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Roasted Broccoli
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tahini Drizzle
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Water, for thinning
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Instructions
Steps
Roast the Broccoli
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy.
Make the Tahini Drizzle
While the broccoli is roasting, mix tahini, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Gradually add water until you reach your desired consistency. Add salt to taste.
Serve
Once the broccoli is roasted, remove it from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle the tahini sauce generously over the top and serve warm.
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the tahini drizzle for a spicy kick. This dish can also be topped with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Roasted Broccoli with Tahini Drizzle can be served alongside a variety of main dishes, such as grilled chicken or baked tofu, making it a versatile addition to any meal plan. Drizzling the tahini sauce just before serving ensures it retains that creamy texture while still being warm. For added flair, garnish with sesame seeds or a sprinkle of chili flakes to introduce some visual contrast and extra flavor.
For a heartier dish, consider tossing the roasted broccoli with cooked quinoa or couscous. This transforms the side into a vibrant and nutritious salad that can be enjoyed both warm and cold. Adding nuts or seeds can enhance the crunch, making for an exciting texture that elevates the overall experience.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prepare the tahini drizzle a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply give it a good stir, and if it's too thick, add a bit more water to loosen it up. This can save you time on busy nights when you're looking for quick meal preparations.
For the broccoli, I recommend roasting it fresh for the best flavor and texture. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, a quick toss in a hot skillet or a few minutes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) can help revive that crispiness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
While fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before roasting.
→ What can I substitute for tahini?
If you don’t have tahini, you can use any nut or seed butter like almond or sunflower seed butter as a substitute.
→ How can I store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! This tahini drizzle pairs well with other vegetables like Brussels sprouts or cauliflower, so feel free to mix and match.
Roasted Broccoli with Tahini Drizzle
I absolutely love this Roasted Broccoli with Tahini Drizzle recipe! The combination of the crispy, roasted broccoli with the creamy tahini sauce is a match made in heaven. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. I enjoy experimenting with flavors, and this dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to add it to your weekly rotation.
Created by: Elara Kensington
Recipe Type: Balanced Kitchen
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Roasted Broccoli
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tahini Drizzle
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Water, for thinning
- Salt, to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy.
While the broccoli is roasting, mix tahini, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Gradually add water until you reach your desired consistency. Add salt to taste.
Once the broccoli is roasted, remove it from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle the tahini sauce generously over the top and serve warm.
Extra Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the tahini drizzle for a spicy kick. This dish can also be topped with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g