#broccoli

#broccoli

Getting enough protein in your diet is essential for building muscle, repairing bones, and basically getting through the day. But if you're left feeling a little cold by protein shakes and low-fat cottage cheese, a bowl of chicken and broccoli soup can be just as high in protein but a whole lot more comforting. Chicken is famously high in protein, but the exact amount can depend on which cut you choose.

Adding more broccoli to your diet means enjoying the benefits of a vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and a wealth of antioxidants. If you've ever fallen victim to bland, boiled broccoli, you may be searching for better broccoli recipes you're bound to love. One trendy method of food preparation, known as "melting" vegetables, takes a little extra time and yields an unforgettable batch of broccoli.

Many of us likely rinse our broccoli by holding its flowering crown under running water in our sinks, like we're holding a bouquet. That's considered the top of this veggie, after all. However, you actually want to hold broccoli upside down. The running water should hit the stem and make its way into all of the nooks and crannies of the head.

Thankfully, roasting solves both of these problems, intensifying the cruciferous vegetable's flavors and enhancing its texture with a delightful crunch. But if you are looking to turn an already irresistible side dish into a stand-out weeknight staple, try coating your broccoli in cornstarch before roasting to make it extra crispy. You might only associate cornstarch with thickening sauces or soups, but it also works great for crisping up just about any roasted vegetable.