There are many Veggie broccoli recipes around there.
But very few provide an easy to prepare broccoli pesto recipe. Well, this is what I am going to do today.
I shall provide you with the easiest broccoli pesto sauce recipes that I use to dip my chicken, fish fingers and other ailments such as carrots and potatoes.
I have thought of and made this veggie broccoli pesto dip recipe for two main reasons.
The first reason is that it is a vegetable that I really like the taste.
The second reason is that it is one of those veggies that we do not really use often enough, but has fantastic health properties. And if you are pregnant, then you better read on the health benefits of broccoli to your child (see below).
I shall start by telling what is broccoli, then the health properties and finally give you the recipe.
What is broccoli?
Broccoli is vegetable and it is edible.
Its color is green while it belongs to the cabbage family called Brassicas.
It is its flowering head (small and large) and stalks that you can eat.
You need to know that the word broccoli comes from Itali. In fact, it comes from the Italian word in the plural of broccolo.
This word simply means “the flowering crest of a cabbage”. Now it makes sense. Broccoli plant comes from the cabbage family and it is called broccoli which means the flowering crest of cabbage.
But, what I find interesting is that Broccolo comes from the diminutive form of brocco. And, in turn, brocco means “small nail” or “sprout”.
Now that you know where the word broccoli comes from, we can have a look at the health benefits you gain from this wonderful flower.
What are the health benefits of broccoli?
The benefits of eating broccoli are endless. But there are some benefits of broccoli that you really need to know about.
Broccoli is probably one of the best sources of vitamins K. (2)
And it is also a great source of vitamin C.
Though it is great and not acidic like orange or lemon, this plant is full of vitamin C and that is why I advise you to eat it, especially in the winter season. The plant will help you fight colds, flu, and other winter diseases.
You’ll find that the veggie is a good source of folate (folic acid). Folic acid is a substance that prevents the development of neural tube defects. So if you are pregnant, then please eat this veggie for the good health of your child. (3)
But it is also good for reducing cardiovascular risks.
You’ll find that broccoli has potassium and fiber too.
Learn that vitamin C as found in this veggie helps your body builds collagen. And that the collagen forms your body tissue and bone. So, if you can, try to give this veggie to eat to your child who is still developing.
And if you are injured, you also need to eat Broccoli as it helps cuts and wounds heal.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. And this is one of the great broccoli health benefits which has the particularity to protect your body from developing free radicals.
Free radicals are what lead to cancer, so if you can get rid of them by eating a veggie, then please do so. I’m certainly eating them in many different shapes and forms such as preparing a pesto pasta with broccoli recipe, chicken broccoli pesto pasta recipe, and broccoli rabe pesto recipe.
But below I shall introduce you to my veggie broccoli recipes that I called the Broccoli Pesto Dip Health benefits.
Veggie Broccoli Recipes – the Pesto Dip
I put together this recipe because my children are not big fans of broccoli. But they do like a nice dip sauce.
So, I decided to try to make my own version of the world-renown pesto dip. And I used broccoli as the main ingredient.
How long does it take to make the pesto dip?
How many can be served with your pesto dip?
This all depends on how many of you are eating and the quantity you’re dipping your food with the pesto.
But I would there is much more than enough for 2 to 4 people.
The ingredients for the veggie broccoli recipes
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets (choose the medium size one, they are the best)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional but it adds that little bit of acidity)
- ½ cup hazelnuts
- ¼ cup virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh basil (optional, but I love this herb)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons lukewarm water
- Sea salt or other, to taste but not too much, please
- Black pepper, again to taste but be gentle so as not to kill the taste of the other ingredients
How to prepare your broccoli pesto?
You just need to pour all of the ingredients in a blender.
You can also use a food processor.
Now, blend the lot till smooth. You can add water if need be, but I like my dip to be mid-thick.
It is ready to be served. Note that you can also store in the refrigerator, but I prefer it fresh from the blender.
Side effects of broccoli
There is not really a side effect on broccoli.
However, there is a big warning for all the people who have cardiovascular problems.
If you have heart issues, then you must stay away from broccoli.
The reason is that it contains vitamin K.
And it was demonstrated that this vitamin will adversely affect your heart with the medicine that you take.
So best to stay away from the veggie and anything that contain this vitamin.
Conclusion
Broccoli is a veggie that is difficult and challenging to feed the youngster.
But I think it is only difficult because we, as adults, do not take the time to investigate how to prepare them in a way that the youngsters will eat them.
For instance, have you tried to make broccoli sweets? I am sure not. Well, this is a challenge for you.
I have given you several really easy veggie broccoli recipes on this blog. In this post, I gave you a secret weapon pesto dip recipe that will make wonders will your friend and family. And it should do too with the young.
But what I really want to say is that if you eat this veggie while you are pregnant, then you reduce the risks of brain tube malformation to your baby.
You also reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular and the veggie is full of vitamins K and C that are really good for you. The only downside is if you have heart problems. Then do not eat the veggies as the vitamin K could adversely affect you.
Apart from that, enjoy the pesto dip.
Back to you
I really did love writing this article because I love this veggie. I have to take one single benefit of broccoli, it would be that it helps your body getting rid of free radicals.
This means if you eat the flower often, then you’ll reduce the risks of developing cancer.
Speak soon in another great Omigy post.