You can make Parmesan-crusted Broccoli in a sandwich press, saving valuable stovetop space when cooking. Enjoy with a sriracha sauce as a side or a snack.
Making Parmesan-crusted Broccoli
The idea of this dish is simple – steam some broccoli then sprinkle with grated Parmesan and toast in a sandwich press. The salty flavour of the cheese marries so well with the sweet and slightly peppery flavour of tender broccoli. Serve with some ketchup or sriracha for a burst of added flavour. It’s become my go-to snack.
I prefer steaming green veg as B vitamins they contain are water-soluble which means you end up draining away some of the goodness. 6-7 minutes in a steamer basket gives you a lightly-steamed texture and a bright green colour.
If you prefer a softer consistency, leave broccoli to steam for longer, for 15 minutes. This could be of benefit for small children and older people who might have an easier time chewing softer foods properly. Either way, the secret here lies in sprinkling it generously with cheese and toasting.
Toasted broccoli and flaky cheese have a wonderful flavour!
Serve with some ketchup or sriracha for a burst of added flavour. Or as a side to things like good steak, rissoles or pasta.
Other things you can make in a Sandwich Press
I absolutely love my sandwich press and use it a few times a week. It wipes easy, cooks things on both sides at the same time and saves space on the stove. In fact, it’s perfect for:
- making toasties, obviously
- toasting wraps and sausages such as chorizo
- cooking a flat egg omelette that you can pop in a wrap or cut into ribbons and place in a lunchbox
- reheating rissoles or steamed potatoes (to make quick roasted potatoes).
If you don’t have a sandwich press, don’t worry. I’ve written on how to make a toastie without a sandwich press before.
Parmesan-crusted Broccoli in a Sandwich Press
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli
- 1/4 cup finely grated cheese such as Parmesan
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
- Cut broccoli into small florets, slicing any larger ones lengthways in half.
- Steam broccoli in a steamer basket or drop into boiling, lightly salted water and cook for 6-7 minutes.
- Drain well and place in a bowl. Allow to cool for 10 minutes then drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat well.
- Sprinkle with cheese and transfer to a pre-heated sandwich press. Cook for 2 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.
- Note: if you don’t have a sandwich press you can cook the broccoli florets in a frying pan, pressing down on them with a spatula and turning over after about a minute.
