1 lb fresh broccoli
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
salt
4 -6 garlic cloves, chopped
red pepper flakes (optional)
Preparation
Prepare broccoli by trimming off the bottoms from the broccoli stalks and discarding (or freezing for later use).
Cut off the main stem of each stalk; peel it to beneath the fibrous layer, and cut the flesh into bite-sized chunks.
Break the head of the broccoli into bite-size pieces, and peel a bit of the skin from the small stems to make them more tender.
Rinse the broccoli in cold water and drain. Place in a pot with ΒΌ cup cold water, the olive oil, salt to taste, and the garlic. Add a pinch or more of the hot red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Bring to a boil, cover tightly, and steam until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender, no more than 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and serve at once.
