Garlic Broccoli with a Kick of Spicy Sauce

To make the spicy sauce, you will need sweet smoked and hot smoked Spanish paprikas. If you cannot find hot smoked in your area, you can substitute for a little pinch of chili powder. I added 1 tsp of the hot paprika, if you want more heat, add in another 1/2 tsp.

TIPS & TRICKS to make this Recipe: You want the broccoli cooked al dente. That is to say tender enough to pierce with a fork, but still having some resistance. This will ensure the broccoli does not get mushy when you add the spicy sauce.

Garlic Broccoli with a Kick of Spicy Sauce

Watch Albert preparing this recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zAaw-HkbZM

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 60 ml
  • 1 head broccoli 1 lbs / 450 grams
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 3/4 cup vegetable broth 180 ml
  • 1 tsp hot smoked Spanish paprika 2.50 grams
  • 1/2 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika 1.25 grams
  • 1/2 tbsp corn starch 4 grams
  • 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar 3 ml
  • 1/4 cup grated Manchego cheese 30 grams
  • pinch sea salt
  • dash black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat a small fry pan with a medium heat and add in 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  2. After 3 minutes turn off the heat, add in the hot smoked Spanish paprika, sweet smoked Spanish paprika and corn starch, whisk together until there are no lumps
  3. Heat the pan with a medium heat again, slowy add in 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable broth while whisking continuously, once all the broth has been added, add the white wine vinegar and a little pinch of sea salt, continue to whisk for 2 to 3 minutes or until you get a creamy sauce, then turn off the heat
  4. Cut the florets off the head of broccoli, making sure to cut the bigger florets into smaller ones so they´re all similar in size, add the florets into a colander and rinse under water, then add over a dish cloth and pat completely dry, roughly chop the garlic
  5. Heat a large fry pan with a medium heat and add in 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  6. After a couple of minutes add in the florets of broccoli, mix together and then place in a single layer, after 2 minutes mix together and then again place in a single layer, after another 2 minutes add in the chopped garlic, mix continuously, after 30 seconds to 1 minute, add in 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable broth and season with sea salt & black pepper, place a lid on the pan and lower to a low-medium heat
  7. After 4 minutes and the broccoli is tender (you can always pierce with a fork to ensure it´s done), remove from the heat and transfer into a serving dish, all in a single layer, finely grate the cheese over the broccoli
  8. Whisk the spicy sauce in the pan, then spoon over the broccoli, enjoy!

The Amazing Olive Tree

The Amazing Olive Tree

Sometimes I think there is nothng the ancient olive tree, its fruits, and oil cannot do. Researchers from the University of Jaén in Spain have identified a group of dormant bacteria in olive trees and soil that protect against environmental challenges. These bacteria, specifically Bacillus spp., have shown promise in combating the deadly plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa, responsible for the Olive Quick Decline Syndrome. Bacillus spp. can enter a state of rest, surviving extreme conditions, and could be used to develop a natural biopesticide against Xylella fastidiosa. The tiny micro organisms act akin to a secondary immune system for the trees and miraculously can be used to help other trees. These bacteria also demonstrate resistance to antibiotics and heavy metals, making them valuable for agricultural and environmental applications. This discovery opens possibilities for more sustainable agriculture and environmental detoxification.