Szechuan Broccoli and Quinoa
I love broccoli.
When two huge heads of broccoli showed up in our CSA box this week, I squealed.
Embarrassingly loudly.
My husband did not.
He tries to be subtle about things he doesn’t like.
He swaps out all my CDs when he borrows my car.
He’ll read upstairs on nights when a show with any form of the word “Bachelor” in the title is on.
He’ll hide a broccoli floret under some rice at dinner (and then I’ll dig it out and eat it).
He’s just not one to draw attention to himself or cause conflict.
Not me. I like to be clear.
I hate back bends.
So when the DVD yoga instructor starts to subtly position me for back bends,
“Lay on your back and bend your elbows, placing your palms right by your head,”
I just look her right in her TV eyes and say, “Yeah. I’m not doing that.” And then jump for the fast forward button like it is on fire.
I don’t care who knows. Not even my husband, who laughs at me as he drinks his coffee and reads the morning paper, amused at my duel with Perky McChipperpants.
Laugh all you want, big boy. Guess what’s for lunch.
This dish incorporates two of my main strategies for getting kids, or husbands, to enjoy their veggies. Even broccoli.
One, is a delicious sauce.
And this sauce is just that. Deeeelishus. I was dunking broccoli straight from the baking sheet into the sauce pan and into my mouth.
Second, is my favorite cooking method: broiling.
It’s quick, it’s hot and it gives vegetables a bit of a crusty exterior, yet still maintains a crisp, tender interior.
Lunch was served.
In yoga pants (note: even one forward bend on a mat entitles me to wear stretchy pants as long as I want. Back bends, shmack bends).
And when the dishes were cleared, not a single floret remained. Not on my plate, not on his.
I squealed.
Embarrassingly loudly.
Szechuan Broccoli and Quinoa
Serves 4
- 1 1/2 lb. broccoli florets
- drizzle of sesame oil
- 1 c. dry quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 c. vegetable broth
- 1/4 t. salt
- 1/4 c. soy sauce, tamari or aminos
- 1/4 c. vegetable broth
- 1 T. maple syrup
- 1/2 t. ginger, minced
- 2 t. garlic, minced
- 1 T. ground flax
- 1/2 t. hot red pepper flakes, optional
- sesame seeds for garnish, optional
Preheat the broiler.
Arrange broccoli florets on a baking sheet and drizzle lightly with sesame oil.
Broil for 5-8 minutes, watching closely so broccoli does not burn. Set aside.
In a large stockpot, lightly toast quinoa until slightly browned. Add vegetable broth and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until all liquid is absorbed.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, tamari or aminos, broth, syrup, ginger, garlic, ground flax and red pepper flakes, if using. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly. Lower heat and simmer for a minute or two, until thickened. Remove from heat.
Scoop quinoa into serving bowl, top with roasted broccoli, drizzle with sauce and top with sesame seeds, if using.
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The winner of the Story Cubes giveaway is Roberta Horne. Roberta, email me your mailing info to peasandthankyou@hotmail.com and I’ll get your game on its way!
I’m right there with you on loving brocoli. This dish looks amazing.
PS – You’re lucky that Daddy Pea doesn’t like it – more for you!
Sadly, Isaac likes it.
Oh, I love it so! I’m glad I’m not alone.
This looks so good! Broccoli has always been one of my favourite veggies:)
If you’ve never roasted it, you really must try!
Mmmm we definitely will!:)
Broiling broccoli is the best…and I like alliterations. Maybe I’ll make this on Monday and devour every delicious dunk into that super-sounding sauce.
I’m done.
Do it. And don’t do you hair. I’m not gonna.
That sauce does sound tasty! I actually made something kinda sorta similar for Asian flavors tonight and used maple syrup as the sweetener too. It rocked. But I need to get some sesame oil; it’s the distinctive flavor is so many Asian dishes and I miss out on it.
Who needs sugar?!
Yup, sesame oil makes it work!
As a huge broccoli propOnent, I am ALL OVER this!
You just gave me an idea for t-shirts: Team Broccoli. I’ll put you down for one.
Looks great! Looks healthy and easy to make too. I love roasted vegetables!
YUM!! I love broccoli…I even crave it! I can’t wait to try this dish.
Me too. And the stems, lightly steamed? Heaven.
Perky McChipperpants. HAHA. That is perfect.
Seriously. What is she so happy about?
I have NO idea. It’s not inspiring, it’s just annoying. I have to mute her anytime before 11am.
Oh my gosh, I’ve had other veggies roasted before but just tried roasted broccoli Thursday and I couldn’t stop eating it. This looks really yummy! Is the flax just for health? Or does it do something for the sauce? And finally, do you know where one can get dill seeds in this town?
The flax thickens it instead of cornstarch! Dill seeds? I’m assuming you’ve tried the usual suspects: Lifesource & Fred Meyer? You might try somewhere like EZ Orchards too. I’ll keep an eye out for you.
I see. Yes, I’m making pickles on Tuesday and my recipe(s) call for dill seeds. I tried EZ Orchards and Safeway but I’ll try the other 2… Thanks!
You know, I used to not be much of a broccoli fan (unless covered in cheese…shame), but now that I have started roasting it, I LOVE it. So much. And in this sauce??? WOW! Seriously, I am going to try this ASAP. I have a feeling I will want to put this sauce on everything.
I got so excited about the sale on broccoli at the store this morning and then I realized I had nothing to use it for. Til now…Nate will be thrilled with the broccoli geese to come
Honk, honk, baby.
I hear you there is something about back bends that I can’t stand either! I don’t like the feeling at all…im feeling that broccoli dish though yum yum…:)
This looks so good! You and I both…love broccoli! I squealed embarrassingly loudly (in my mind) when I saw a bunch of Filipino-nized broccoli at church today!
Veggies always make my tummy happy. And I hope someday Greg will eat broccoli like P.Daddy did today. He always eats maybe 2-3, and then says, “i’m done”.
Broccoli had been my favorite veggie since I was a kid. I understand that my hubby doesn’t understand my obsession but man I love it all on its own!
I love broccoli!! This looks delicious! Unfortunately, I’ve recently developed a soy and nut allergy
Do you have any suggestions for replacing soy sauce? Thanks!
Have you ever tried coconut aminos? They taste really similar to soy sauce/Bragg’s but are soy & wheat free. You can find them at Whole Foods and health food stores. Good luck!
I am all about some szechuan flavoring – love the maple and hot pepper flakes you used in the recipe. That right there should make anyone who doesn’t like broccoli change their mind
That looks yummy! I’m always looking for new ways to cook veggies! One of my favorite ways of eating broccoli is roasting it with a red onion (diced into large cubes) and cherry tomatoes at 425 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Upon serving, drizzle a little balsamic vinegar on top, along with a sprinkle of feta cheese. It is delicious!
That’s sounds so good! Thanks, Melissa.
I’d squeal too. But quite possibly I wouldn’t share. Any non-broccoli lovers can make their own lunches, as far as I’m concerned
Ha!
Yum…I wonder if it would taste just as good with cauliflower? I have tons of it to use up!
Yes, of course! I have tons of cauliflower too. Try one of these recipes too: http://peasandthankyou.com/recipage/?search_term=cauliflower&ui=22
i never get sick of broccoli. in the winter i feel like i’m roasting it every day! now its so sweet from the garden (and so GREEN) that steaming it quickly is my favorite way to enjoy it
Oooh I’m totally using this recipe as my go-to szechuan sauce because I hate buying the super-sugared up store bought kind. And I am so, so with you on those back bends. They’re my least favourite yoga pose – well, of the ones that I currently know of and can do. I’ll take a savasana instead thanks.
You’ll find me in child’s pose.
Another great quinoa recipe! I need a bit of this in my life right now.
I’m not quite in the “I love broccoli” camp, but my husband is definitely in the same camp as Pea Daddy. I’ll have to try this dish as even though I don’t love it, I do eat it often since it’s so full of good things. Antioxidants and such.
Maybe you’ll switch camps with this one!
mmm mmm mmm…love it when you post a recipe with green veggies. Can’t wait to try this one!
The sauce sounds devine. Sweet and salty. Yum. Thanks!
Can’t wait to try! For some reason I have been pairing broccoli and quinoa together a lot also. If you also like Szechuan green beans, this sauce should go well with the Trader Joe’s frozen french green beans…they work really well in stir fries.
Oooh, great idea! Thanks, Julie!
Oh I adore broccoli too. My husband will eat it if it’s what I cook, which I am planning on because I am so enamored with this dish. Love these flavors Sarah!
Oh. Yum. that is all.
This looks delicious! Totally going on the menu this week!
Why have I never broiled my broccoli. Much shorter cooking time! How’s the stink factor?
My mom walked in the door and said, “What died?” How’s that for an answer.
Ah! this looks so great….I think Im going to have to make it for dinner tonight!! Love the Szechuan change-up from my usual ginger+aminos stir fry taste!
This sounds wonderful, but I’m afraid I’d be the only eating it at my house! Still have to figure out a way to get my husband to eat it!
I’ll pretty much eat anything with Szechuan sauce. And I love broccoli, so this is definitely going to be made this week.
Looks delish! Does the extra 1/4 cup vegetable broth go into the sauce? It is in the ingredient list but not in the sauce prep directions. Thanks!
Oops, sorry, yes, it does! I’ll edit the instructions. Thank you!
I am in the same boat as you. Broccoli is my favorite veg. but my boyfriend has to force it down everyday (because that’s how often I make it). I am going to have to use this recipe to turn him into a believer.
Yum! I won’t be broiling it, though. I get easily distracted in the kitchen and always, always let things burn under the broiler. I would cry if I ruined that much broccoli!
Broccoli, quinoa, and sesame oil? Sign me up! I’ll eat whatever Pea Daddy doesn’t.
Looks really good! I am trying to learn to cook for my daughter who decided a few months that she is vegetarian. Problem is: she doesn’t like vegetables! Maybe this one will work.
This looks amazing! My husband hates brocolli but when I made a coconut curry sauce the other night, he was dipping broccoli in it! I need to try your recipe out, he will probably be dipping the broccoli in it too!
made this last night for dinner – delicious!! The sauce was drool-worthy, will be making this again for other dishes. Thanks!!
Oh good, I’m so glad, Marie! Thanks for the feedback!
I love broccoli too! Thankfully it’s also a veg that my kids adore now that we’ve started saying broccoli in funny voices.
I’m with you…broccoli is the shiz! I’d even bend over backwards for it
At least you only talk back to the TV yoga girl, I full on said, “I don’t trust you.” in the middle of class when an instructor offered to spot my head stand. No thanks.
Ha! Love it.
Great dish! Can’t wait to whip it up!
I just made this tonight and it was gobbled up by the whole family…me,, hubs and our four kids ages 2-9. Thanks so much for a great recipe. I loved the broiled broccoli. I have never done it before and it didn’t even heat up the house! I did however mess up on the sauce and accidentally put two cups of broth in the sauce. I tried to save it, but just ended up having runny sauce. Oh well, now I will just have to make it again and make it the right way! Thanks again, love your blog……and the sweet day you had on your hike yesterday. I do think nature and the divine are so closely linked.
Thanks, Johanna, what a sweet comment! Yes, I could see how 2 cups of broth would have killed it. Hope you get to enjoy it the right way soon!
I WAAAAANT!!! Where, oh where, is that darned “order” button when you need it?
I LOVE broccoli! Can’t wait to try this; I seriously could eat broccoli like my students eat candy. SO GOOD.
I have some fresh salmon in the fridge that would taste AMAZING in this sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds. Instead of broccoli, I have some brussel srouts that I will serve (roasted of course) on the side. Now I am so hungry for dinner, I can’t wait to get home and start cooking!
I am eating this for dinner as I type this comment. YUM. For reals.
I am also eating this as i type this comment. so delicious. this is a keeper!
Nice! Thank you, Magen!
PS – This IS one serving, right?
Um…yeah!
Good-NESS! Made this tonight and my entire family devoured it, from 4 1/2 year old daughter to 46 year old spouse! Thank you for this delightful, simple vegan yumminess!!!
Oh wonderful! I love when we win a kiddo and a husband! Thanks for the feedback!
I made this for MY two little girls tonight. It’s a hit!! My oldest asked for it every night!! Thank you!!
And with broccoli! That rocks. Thanks for the stellar compliment!
Broccoli and quinoa together with this yummy looking sauce!!! Looks like a keeper! Btw, are all husbands the same? You could have been describing mine!!
The ground flax is a great idea. I guess that’s a replacement thickener instead of corn starch for the sauce? I haven’t experimented much with ground flax for more Asian-style cooked sauces but I definitely want to try it.
i just made this for my husband and myself tonight and it was soo good! all we have in the house is rice, quinoa, and a lot of frozen broccoli so this was perfect meal to make! (Mainly i just didn’t want to go grocery shopping, haha) Thanks so much for sharing.
I am so glad you guys liked it and that frozen broccoli was a good stand-in! Thanks for the feedback!
hi mama pea!
this looks so delicious.
okay, a bit random, but my (chinese) mom always told me to never stick my chopsticks vertically in my bowl of rice because apparently that’s what they do when honoring dead ancestors/presenting them with food. something like that. just fyi
Oh dear, good to know. Thanks!
Hi Sarah,
I just found your site and am really enjoying it! You have a great sense of humor in your posts, as well as some delicious-looking recipes. I’d really like to make this! Does the flax meal serve any culinary purpose? I’m actually allergic to it, so I’d obviously like to leave it out. Thanks for any help!
Sorry, I found the answer above! Maybe I’ll try some arrowroot instead!
Yes! It’s a thickener. You could easily sub arrowroot or cornstarch. Hope you love it!
I’m sad to say this is the first of your recipes I’ve actually made.. but I think I might need to buy your book soon. Delicious, and ridiculously easy, we made extra sauce so we’d have it on hand for a second night… and then ate most of it.
That’s what I like to hear! Thanks, Michaela!
i have so much broccoli in the fridge so i googled broccoli and quina and VOILA HERE I ARRIVED! i did – however double the recipe for the sauce,. . and found there was just a wee bit left over for tomorrow’s lunch salad -. this sauce would be delish for anything! thanks for the suggestion on roasting the broccoli – never did it previous to this but totally will again!. i’ll be coming back to your blog for sure ..:D
Thank you, Lisa! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.