How to Steam Broccoli Perfectly Every Time

Ingredients

• 1 bunch broccoli 
• 2 servings olive oil (use olive oil if cooking vegan)
• 2 servings pepper black freshly ground
• 2 servings lemon zest 
• 2 servings almonds toasted
• 2 servings meat from a rotisserie chicken 
• 2 servings beef 
• 2 servings fatty pork 
• 2 servings fish and seafood 
• 2 servings pasta and noodles 

Equipment

• sauce pan

Directions

1. Cut the crowns away from the large stems of the broccoli. Break the crown up into bite-sized florets. Rinse the broccoli florets thoroughly.
2. Peel and discard the thick outer skin of the stems. Slice the stems or cut them into quarters lengthwise.
3. Bring steamer water to a boil:
4. Place 3/4 to 1 inch of water in a saucepan with a steamer and bring to a boil. (Note that is you don't have a steamer, you can simply put the broccoli directly into an inch of boiling water.)
5. Add broccoli, steam 5 to 6 min:
6. Add the broccoli to the steamer and cover; reduce heat to medium and let cook for 5-6 minutes. The broccoli is done when you can pierce it with a fork. As soon as it is pierce-able, remove from heat, place in serving dish.
7. Note that green vegetables like broccoli will turn from vibrant green to drab olive green at about the 7 minute mark of cooking. So, watch the time, and don't let the broccoli overcook!
8. Dress with your favorite topping: Dress to taste with butter, olive oil, mayonnaise, lemon zest or juice, seasoned rice vinegar, balsamic vinegar, ground black pepper, toasted almonds, or sesame seeds.