Before Cooking:
Just before cooking, wash the broccoli under cold water and separate it into small florets, removing them from the stems and trimming away the thicker branches. Chop the stalks into bite-sized pieces.
Broccoli Boiling Instructions:
Place the broccoli in boiling water to preserve its juices and vibrant color. Cook fresh broccoli for 5-7 minutes, timing from when the water returns to a boil. Season the water with salt (1 teaspoon per liter) and a small amount of sugar to enhance the green color of the broccoli. Midway through cooking, you can add milk to the water, which helps in maintaining the calcium content that might otherwise be leached out by the elements in broccoli. Uncover the pot briefly during cooking to release any unpleasant odors, then continue cooking covered. The broccoli should be tender but still slightly firm and crunchy when done.
After Boiling:
Drain the broccoli once it’s cooked. To preserve its vibrant green color, you can plunge the cooked broccoli into ice water for 1 minute.
Serving Suggestions:
Broccoli can be served sprinkled with toasted breadcrumbs and drizzled with melted butter for added flavor and texture.