| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 10g | 1.5g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 7g | 10g | 1.4g |
As I look back at my childhood in Texas and growing up around a Tex- Mex-filled home kitchen, I can’t help but remember the strong, vibrant flavors that enveloped my senses. One recipe that often comes to mind, and indeed, close to my heart, is the Broccoli Leaves Stir Fry. It’s a dish that goes beyond the palate, evoking memories and stories associated with the natural beauty and flavors of the south.
A Stewpot of Flavors
This dish, the Broccoli Leaves Stir Fry, was introduced to me by a close Tex-Mex friend. You can feel the fusion of taste in each bite, from the pungent garlic to the fiery kick from fresh green chili, down to the subtle sweetness of corn and onions. It may seem unusual to many to use broccoli leaves instead of the more commonly used florets, but trust me, the leaves are just as flavorful and carry more health benefits than most realize. They are packed full of vitamins A, C, and K, and high in calcium too.
Using a rainbow of vegetables not only adds layers of flavor and texture but also various nutrients that could boost your health. The bell peppers, tomatoes, and carrots provide a great source of fiber, essential minerals, and vitamins.
Cilantro, too, has a myriad of health benefits; it’s not just a garnish!
Pairing and Variations
This Broccoli Leaves Stir Fry can work well with or replace the famous Texan Green Chili – they’re quite similar in the way they explode with flavors. And if you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can always add tofu or even chicken. It’s a versatile dish and can be adjusted to your liking.
What makes this recipe special is how it harmoniously blends the commonplace with the exotic, creating a true festival of flavors. It’s a fantastic way to introduce your family to new vegetables and flavors without straying too far from familiar comfort food.
With the Broccoli Leaves Stir Fry, every mealtime becomes a little healthier, a little more colorful, and a lot more flavorful. Indeed, it is a reflection of the beauty of Southern cuisine – wholesome, vibrant, and downright delicious.
What You’ll Need
- 12 large Broccoli Leaves
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 inch Fresh Ginger, grated
- 1 Green Chili, chopped
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium Bell Pepper, cubed
- 1 medium Carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 medium Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup of Sweet Corn
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 6 cups Cooked Rice
- 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
Method
Step One
Start by washing the broccoli leaves properly. Then, cut off the leaves’ stems and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Keep it aside.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, the grated ginger, and the green chili. Sauté these ingredients until you can smell their fragrance.
Step Three
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook it until it turns soft and golden brown. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
Step Four
Add the cubed bell pepper and thinly sliced carrot to the skillet. Stir and cook for another five minutes or until they have softened.
Step Five
Now, add the chopped tomatoes and the sweet corn. Keep stirring the ingredients until the tomatoes break down and become soft. This will take another five minutes or so.
Step Six
At this point, add the chopped broccoli leaves into the skillet. Stir continuously and let it cook until the leaves wilt and become tender. This should take around 10 minutes.
Step Seven
Now, add the soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper as per your taste preferences. Stir all the ingredients properly so that they mix well with the broccoli leaves.
Step Eight
Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Stir the rice properly so it blends well with the vegetables and absorbs all the flavours.
Step Nine
Finally, sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the stir fry before serving. Your delicious broccoli leaves stir fry is ready to be devoured!
