Wednesday, June 25, 2008

"And I'm President of the United States and I'm not going to eat any more broccoli."*

You know, normal people become addicted to things like cigarettes and caffeine - and don't get me wrong, I have had those monkeys clinging on my back, too.

But today's current addiction: sexy, spicy broccoli.

Or raw marinated broccoli.

Whateve.

*I* will call it "broccoli crack."

Broccoli Crack

1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste

2 heads broccoli, 1 pound each, cut into bite-size florets

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

4 fat garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons cumin seeds [I didn't have cumin seeds, so I used half the amount of ground cumin.]

2 teaspoons roasted (Asian) sesame oil

Large pinch crushed red pepper flakes.

In a large bowl, stir together the vinegar and salt. Add broccoli and toss to combine.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil until hot, but not smoking.
Add garlic and cumin and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in sesame oil and pepper flakes.
Pour mixture over broccoli and toss well.
Let sit for at least 1 hour at room temperature, and up to 48 (chill it if you want to keep it for more than 2 hours). [I'd like to be able to tell you how it tastes after longer marinating times, but I ate it all. Sorry.]
Adjust seasonings (it may need more salt) and serve.


I served it with thinly sliced grilled rare steak, a green salad, and twice-baked potatoes. Perfect with a cold Heineken.
But you could just eat it straight from the bowl with your fingers.
Not that *I* would ever stoop that low....I am just saying...people COULD.
People who have been raised by wolves and whatnot.
Not ME.
Ahem.

***********

*George H. W. Bush

7 comments:

blackbird said...

I cannot WAIT to try this.

Velma said...

Oh, YUM!

Sarah Louise said...

Well, I do have kosher salt...

Someday I will start making stuff again...I swear!!!

Just, not, today.

and I lurve the title quote. And I also luff broccoli.

Caterina said...

Double yum! Thanks for that. I will give it a try and the grilled rare steak too :)

Kathy said...

That sounds lovely -- broccoli is my absolute favorite vegetable.

Anonymous said...

I only agree with the former president on one issue and that's the broccoli issue.

Joke said...

Try this with broccoli rabe and you will be in need of rehab.

-J.