Mashed Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 2 heads broccoli, about 1 pound

• 1 tbsp olive oil or just enough to coat bottom of pan

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1/3 cup water, vegetable stock

• 1 to 1/2 tsp salt

1. Rinse broccoli under cold water. Separate the broccoli into florets, peel and cut the stems. If the florets are large, cut into 2.

2. Heat a large frying pan on medium high heat. Coat the bottom of pan with olive oil. Add the broccoli to heated pan, season with salt; cover and cook the broccoli, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender (6 to 8 minutes).

3. Add water or vegetable stock, reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until liquid has evaporated.

4. Use a potato masher to break up the tender broccoli pieces but do not mash so much as to break up all the florets.

5. Taste, season with additional salt if needed. Serve warm with your favorite roast baked or grilled protein choice.

Yields: 4 servings

Notes&Tips:

• This Mashed Broccoli is a take on mash potatoes. It is a delicious side dish that brings out the natural sweet-nutty flavor of the broccoli. You can add additional flavor infusions if you'd like: sautéed onions, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese.

• I served up this Mashed Broccoli with Baked Salmon.