Description
This smashed broccoli recipe (Lemon Zaatar Green Crust) transforms humble broccoli into a vibrant, flavor-packed side dish with crispy edges and tender insides. The aroma of toasty za’atar and bright lemon makes it an easy, healthy, and genuinely exciting addition to dinner, perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs fresh broccoli florets
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 large fresh lemon (zest and 1 Tbsp juice)
- 1.5 Tbsp za’atar spice blend
- 0.75 tsp sea salt
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep And Par-Boil: Wash and cut 1.5 lbs broccoli into bite-sized florets. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add broccoli, and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green.
- Smash Florets: Drain the broccoli very well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Arrange the florets in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each floret until it flattens and splays out.
- Season And Roast: Drizzle smashed broccoli generously with 3 Tbsp olive oil, then sprinkle with 1.5 Tbsp za’atar, the zest and juice from 1 lemon, 0.75 tsp sea salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to coat. Roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Notes
For substitutions, a homemade za’atar blend (0.5 tsp dried oregano, 0.5 tsp dried thyme, 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds) or lime can replace lemon. Frozen broccoli works if thawed completely and patted very dry before cooking. Ensure broccoli is thoroughly dried and the pan is not overcrowded for maximum crispiness. Smashing florets creates more surface area for seasoning and crisping.
- Prep Time: 22 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 113 g (about 0.75 cup)
- Calories: 100 calories
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: smashed broccoli, lemon, za'atar, roasted, side dish, easy, healthy, crispy, vegetable, Mediterranean