Overview
Slow cooked frozen broccoli is an easy and versatile meal to prepare. It requires no pre-cooking or advance prep work, allowing busy people to cook it in a short period of time with minimal effort. Slow cooked frozen broccoli is full of vitamins and antioxidants and can be served as a main dish, side dish, or added to salads or soups. In this article, we’ll discuss how to properly cook frozen broccoli in a slow cooker and highlight some recipes that utilise this simple cooking method.
Instructions
The best way to cook frozen broccoli in a slow cooker is to first add approximately 2-3 cups of your favourite broth to the slow cooker. Soup stocks such as chicken, beef, or vegetable broth are recommended as they will add flavour to your meal. Alternatively, you may also add a combination of broth and water. Next, season the liquid with sea salt and pepper before adding the frozen broccoli. If you would like to spice up the flavour of the broccoli, you can definitely add in some herbs or spices such as garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, or parsley. Once seasoned, stir the mixture before adding the lid and cooking on high for around four to five hours. If you are cooking on low, the cooking time will be approximately seven to eight hours.
When the broccoli is cooked to your desired temperature and is soft and tender, it is ready to be served. Cooking frozen broccoli in a slow cooker is an easy and hassle-free way of prepping a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Recipes
Now that you know how to slow cook frozen broccoli, you may be wondering what else you can do with this versatile veggie. Here are a few recipes you can try out:
Slow Cooked Broccoli Stem Soup – Start by sautéing the finely chopped broccoli stalks and garlic in a skillet with olive oil until fragrant. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker, and add the chicken broth, vegetable broth, and seasonings. Cook for four to five hours on high or seven to eight hours on low. Once the broccoli is cooked, carefully blend them with an immersion blender to create a creamy soup, and garnish with diced parsley and your favourite cheese.
Creamy Broccoli Ravioli – Begin by cooking the ravioli according to the packet instructions. Once done, add them to the slow cooker with the cooked frozen broccoli and cooked garlic cloves. Next, add cream and your choice of seasonings and stir the mixture before adding the lid and cooking on high for two to three hours, or on low for four hours. Serve the ravioli with the creamy broccoli sauce garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Sautéed Broccoli with Olive Tapenade – Start by sautéing frozen broccoli florets in a skillet with olive oil and garlic until the broccoli is golden and tender. Transfer this to the slow cooker and add the store-bought olive tapenade. Cook the broccoli in the tapenade on low for two to three hours or high for one hour. Serve this warm with crusty bread.
Health Benefits
Broccoli is packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, calcium, and iron. These nutrients help to promote healthy skin, immunity, and growth. Broccoli is also low in calories and fat, making it an excellent dietary option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, frozen broccoli retains many of the same nutritional benefits of fresh broccoli, so you don’t have to worry about compromising your health by using the frozen variety.
Storage Solutions
Cooked broccoli can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three days or in the freezer for up to two months. When storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooked broccoli to an airtight container and store in the coldest part of your refrigerator. If storing in the freezer, allow the cooked broccoli to cool before transferring to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Before consuming the broccoli after storing, make sure to cook it until it is piping hot.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen broccoli in a slow cooker is an easy and nutritious way of prepping a delicious meal with minimal effort. You can choose to whip up a soup, side dish, or main course – the possibilities are endless. Not to mention, frozen broccoli retains many of the same nutritional benefits as fresh, making it an excellent dietary choice. When cooked correctly, slow cooked frozen broccoli is sure to tantalise your taste buds!
