If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish, look no further than this Roasted Broccoli with Brazil-Nut Pesto recipe. This dish combines the nuttiness of Brazil nuts with the tender crispness of roasted broccoli, all topped off with a flavorful pesto sauce. It’s the perfect way to add some variety to your meal while sticking to your healthy eating goals.

Not only is this recipe packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a tasty and nutritious side dish in no time. Plus, it’s customizable – feel free to adjust the seasonings or swap out ingredients for ones that you prefer.

So why not try something new and exciting tonight? Whip up this Roasted Broccoli with Brazil-Nut Pesto recipe and enjoy a dish that’s both delicious and good for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

In today’s world, eating healthy has become an integral part of our lives. But eating healthy doesn’t always mean that you have to sacrifice taste. And that’s where this Roasted Broccoli with Brazil-Nut Pesto recipe comes in!

One of the reasons why you’ll fall in love with this dish is because it is packed full of flavor. The roasted broccoli is accompanied by a delicious homemade Brazil-Nut pesto. This pesto is made from fresh ingredients such as coarsely chopped Brazil nuts, lemon zest, garlic clove, tarragon and flat leaf parsley.

But what sets this recipe apart from the usual broccoli pesto dishes is its unique use of Brazil nuts, which add a rich and nutty flavor to the dish. The combination of the roasted broccoli and Brazil-Nut pesto creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Another reason why this recipe is so great is because it’s incredibly easy to make. All you need to do is roast the broccoli for 8 minutes in the oven with some extra virgin olive oil, fresh ground pepper, and salt. Then simply blend together the pesto ingredients in a food processor and voila – your delicious broccoli Brazil-nut pesto dish is ready!

Lastly, this dish can be used as a side or even served as a meal on its own. It pairs well with many different proteins like chicken, beef or fish. Plus, it’s a great way to get in your daily serving of vegetables while still enjoying the flavors you love.

So don’t hesitate and try out this amazing recipe for yourself! It’s not only tasty but also healthy and easy-to-prepare – something that should fit perfectly into any lifestyle.

Ingredient List

Savoring the flavors of Brazil and America in one delicious dish!

Let’s gather our ingredients!
For the Roasted Broccoli:

2 cups broccoli florets, cut into 2-inch pieces
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt

For the Brazil Nut Pesto:

1 cup Brazil nuts, coarsely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest of a lemon
1 tbsp water
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

Optional:

2 tbsp fresh tarragon leaves, minced

Note:

For this recipe, it’s crucial to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. If you cannot find any Brazil Nuts in your local grocery store or market, pine nuts make an excellent substitute.

The Recipe How-To

Roasted broccoli never looked this good!

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Roast the broccoli

Cut top off of 2 pounds broccoli and cut into florets.
Toss broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread the seasoned broccoli florets in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Roast broccoli in the center of the oven for 8 minutes.
Switch baking sheets, stirring broccoli, and continue to roast for another 7-8 minutes until tender and slightly browned.

Prepare the pesto

In a food processor, pulse together 1/2 cup roasted Brazil nuts, 1 garlic clove, 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, and 1/4 cup water until coarsely ground.
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of fresh tarragon, and salt & fresh ground pepper; pulse to combine.

Combine everything

Toss roasted broccoli with pesto, grated Parmesan cheese, and additional Brazil nuts if desired.

This dish can be served immediately, topped with pine nuts or more chopped herbs. It also pairs well with pasta or chicken dishes.

Substitutions and Variations

Meet my new favorite way to eat broccoli: with Brazil-nut pesto!

This recipe for roasted broccoli with Brazil nut pesto is already pretty customizable, but there are still some substitutions and variations worth exploring. One easy substitution you can make is switching out the Brazil nuts for pine nuts. Pine nuts have a milder flavor than Brazil nuts, which can be an advantage if you want the broccoli to shine through more.

You can also vary the herbs used in the pesto recipe. Instead of tarragon and flat leaf parsley, try using basil or dill for a different flavor. Alternatively, you could mix and match herbs for a unique blend of flavors.

For those who don’t eat parmesan cheese or have lactose intolerance, feel free to omit it from the recipe or substitute it with a vegan-friendly alternative.

Finally, consider changing up your cooking method. Instead of roasting the broccoli in the oven, try grilling it on your outdoor grill or using a stovetop grill pan. You could also steam the broccoli and serve it with the Brazil nut pesto as a cold salad.

Experimentation in cooking is key to finding what works for you and your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to switch it up and try new things!

Serving and Pairing

Elevate your broccoli game with this recipe.

Roasted Broccoli with Brazil-Nut Pesto is a dish with bold flavors and textures that can stand on its own as a meal or serve as a striking side dish. The nutty and herby pesto pairs perfectly with the tender roasted broccoli, making it a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

When served as a main course, add some whole-wheat pasta to make it more filling. Drizzle the pesto over the pasta and top it off with some extra Parmesan cheese for added creaminess. Alternatively, you can also serve this colorful dish alongside grilled chicken, steak or fish for a complete meal.

For wine pairing, try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to bring out the bright notes of lemon zest in the dish. If you prefer red wine, a Pinot Noir or Merlot will complement the earthy flavors of broccoli and Brazil nuts.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, enjoy Roasted Broccoli with Brazil-Nut Pesto as part of your lunch or dinner platter. Serve it with wild rice and roasted sweet potatoes for added nutrients without compromising on taste.

However you choose to serve this delicious dish, ensure you garnish it with freshly chopped parsley leaves that will add an extra pop of color and flavor.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Adding some nutty flair to your favorite green vegetable.

This roasted broccoli with Brazil-nut pesto dish can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the desired amount of roasted broccoli on a baking sheet and roast it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about five minutes.

If you’re planning to make the pesto ahead of time, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The pesto will thicken over time, so you may need to add some water or extra virgin olive oil to loosen it up before serving.

To make things even easier, you can roast the broccoli and prepare the pesto separately and combine them just before serving. This will help maintain the texture of the roasted broccoli.

If you have any leftovers, store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a bit of extra virgin olive oil to help soften the roasted broccoli and refresh the flavors.

Overall, this dish is perfect for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner. Just remember to store everything properly and reheat with care to preserve its delicious taste and texture!

Tips for Perfect Results

Who knew broccoli could be so addictively delicious?

To ensure you achieve the perfect roasted broccoli with Brazil-nut pesto, follow these tips:

Firstly, when roasting the broccoli, make sure that you arrange the florets in a single layer on the baking sheets. This will help them to roast evenly and become caramelized on all sides.

Secondly, keep an eye on the baking time. The broccoli should be tender and lightly browned but not burnt. So, check on it from time to time and use a spatula to stir the florets around for even roasting.

Thirdly, when making the pesto sauce, don’t over-process it in a food processor. Otherwise, It can turn into a paste rather than a sauce texture. So, make sure you pulse it until all ingredients are chopped finely yet there is still some texture left.

Fourthly, if you are swapping out any of the ingredients for substitutions or variations mentioned above, make sure they complement each other well without overpowering the taste of the dish.

Fifthly, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and grate your own parmesan cheese for better taste.

Lastly, if you want more crunchiness in the pesto sauce, add toasted pine nuts or chopped Brazil nuts.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll get perfect roasted broccoli with Brazil-nut pesto – A dish that is a fusion between American and Brazilian cuisine with lots of flavors and textures to keep your taste buds surprised!

FAQ

As with any recipe, there may be a few questions that arise while preparing this delicious roasted broccoli with Brazil-nut pesto. Here are a few frequently asked questions, along with their answers, to help ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Why is my roasted broccoli mushy?

To make sure your broccoli comes out perfectly cooked, be sure to select a baking pan that is large enough to accommodate it all in a single layer. Overcrowded broccoli will release too much moisture, causing the surrounding pieces to steam, resulting in an undesirable mushy texture. Remember – nobody wants mushy broccoli!

How to roast Brazil nuts in the oven?

Roasting Brazil nuts in the oven is as effortless as doing it on the stove. To begin with, heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and then place your Brazil nuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Next, roast them for five minutes before taking them out and stirring them a bit. Finally, return them to the oven and roast for another five minutes.

What are Brazil nuts used for in cooking?

Brazil nuts are a versatile nut that can be used to add a unique flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. They are commonly used in dairy alternative recipes such as mayonnaise, cheese-alternative and milk alternative. Along with their flavor-enhancing properties, they can also be valuable in adding crunch to sweet and savory recipes, like salads, granola, cakes, and brownies. Their distinctiveness makes them an appealing addition to any dish.

Does roasted broccoli keep?

To maintain the flavor of roasted broccoli, it is recommended to consume it within one or two days of refrigeration. While it won’t go bad, the taste may diminish after three days. Below, you’ll find our scrumptious roast recipe. But, if you want to try something different, keep in mind that broccoli can also be steamed, shaved, or pureed!

Bottom Line

This roasted broccoli with Brazil nut pesto recipe is truly a game changer in the world of vegetable dishes. It is a perfect example of how you can take a simple ingredient and transform it into something extraordinary with just the right combination of flavor and technique.

From start to finish, every aspect of this recipe is carefully crafted to ensure its success. The preparation process may seem daunting at first glance, but I promise you that it’s worth every moment spent making it happen.

What sets this dish apart from the rest is the addition of the Brazil nut pesto, which not only increases its nutritional value but also adds an extra layer of flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more. And while any pesto recipe would work well in this dish, the Brazil nut pesto is simply on another level.

So whether you’re trying to incorporate more vegetables into your diet or you simply love the combination of roasted broccoli and pesto pasta, this dish will not disappoint. I encourage you to try it out for yourself and experience a whole new world of flavors and textures. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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About Dora @ Kitchen on Cary

Dora

Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.

Delicious Roasted Broccoli with Brazil-Nut Pesto Recipe