Broccoli with Apricot & English Mustard

Broccoli with Apricot & English Mustard

Author: Rumki Paul
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: English
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2-3 Persons

Broccoli with Apricot & English Mustard is a sweet & tangy savoury side which can be a great companion with Pitta breads, steamed Rice and even with some salads. In this recipe, Broccoli is cooked in fresh Apricot puree and English Mustard with some spices and herbs.

When I checked my fridge, I found some fresh Apricots and a Broccoli. I wanted to prepare something new and so made up my mind to experiment again. Apricot sauce is very popular in the world of cooking and so I wanted to use this wonderful ingredient wisely.

Though I was not sure about this recipe as I was preparing it, but it came out great and my friends and family loved the preparation. Only after receiving positive feedbacks, I have decided to share this recipe with you. After all you are part of my life now and I can’t keep secrets with you when it comes about food.

To prepare Broccoli with Apricot & English Mustard, I have used English Mustard, Garlic powder, smoked Paprika powder and some dry Parsley leaves for flavouring. I have added some Sugar to balance the tanginess of Apricots. It enhances the taste of the dish. You can use honey instead of sugar if you are trying to avoid it. But a little sweetness makes the dish yummier.

Broccoli with Apricot & English Mustard is a super easy dish which can get prepared within half an hour. To prepare this dish you need a Broccoli, few fresh Apricots, English Mustard and some herbs.

How to cook Broccolis faster?

Broccolis can be eaten both raw and cooked. But in this preparation, I have microwaved the Broccoli florets for some time to make the cooking faster. You can directly cook them into a pan, but it will take a little longer to get cooked. If you don’t have microwave, then you can blanch the Broccoli florets for some time to reduce the duration of cooking.

How to make Apricot Paste/Puree?

To make Apricot puree, first I put them in boiling water and boil them for couple of minutes. Then I have peeled off the skin of the Apricots with the help of my fingers and destoned them too. After this, I transferred them into a mixing jar and grind them until they become smooth in texture.

Health benefits of Broccolis

Broccoli is a very healthy green vegetable and easily adaptable in our daily life. Broccoli is a great source of multiple vitamins, minerals and fibre. It contains antioxidant which may prevent many health issues. Regular consumption Broccoli can reduce blood pressure, cholesterol level, oxidative stress and many more. In fact, it helps diabetic patients to reduce the blood sugar level.

Health benefits of Apricots

Apricots are full of nutrients and very good source of antioxidants. They are low in calories and full of Vitamin C and Vitamin A. They are very good for our eyes and skin. The minerals of the fruit help to control blood pressure and its good for our heart. Both dry and fresh Apricots are good for our health and both are easily adoptable in our regular diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 Broccoli head, cut into florets
• 1 cup Apricot puree
• 2 tablespoon English Mustard
• ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika powder
• ½ teaspoon Dry Parsley leaves
• 1 tablespoon Sugar
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking
• 1 and ½ cup Water for gravy

1. Place the Broccoli florets on a microwavable plate and microwave them on full power(800W) for 6 minutes.
   

   Tip : If you don’t have microwave no worries. You can cook Broccolis directly into the pan. Add oil into the pan on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add Broccoli florets and fry them for 2 minutes. Then on medium low flame cook it for 5-6 minutes till it loses moisture and its crunch. Stir occasionally.

2. On the other hand, put the fresh Apricots in boiling water and boil them for couple of minutes.
   

3. Then rinse them in cold water and peel off the skin and destone them with the help of your fingers.
   

4. Transfer them into a mixing jar of a grinder.
   

5. Grind them until they become smooth puree.
   

6. Put pan on flame and let it dry.
7. Add oil into the same pan in medium high flame.
8. Once the oil is hot, add the Broccoli florets and give a nice mix.
   

9. Add salt and mix with the florets.
   

10. Cover the pan and cook them in low flame for 2-3 minutes.
11. Add Apricot puree (Step 5) into the pan and stir them properly.
    

12. Cover the pan and cook them in low flame for 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally.
13. Add English Mustard into the pan and give a nice mix.
    

14. Cover the pan and cook them for another couple of minutes in low flame. Stir occasionally.
15. Add Garlic powder, smoked Paprika powder and mix them thoroughly.
    

16. Cook them in low flame for a minute without lid.
17. Add water and mix thoroughly.
    

18. Add Sugar and cook them in high flame until the gravy simmers.
    

19. Put the flame in low and cover the pan.
20. Cook them for 2 minutes.
21. At the end sprinkle some dry Parsley on the top and switch off the flame.
    

22. Stir the curry and put the pan down.