Did you know that broccoli stalks can be used in cooking and other recipes? It is true! Not only is the crown of the vegetable full of nutrients and flavor but the entire plant really. In this post, I share a tips on how to use broccoli stalk in your menu planting.
What is the Broccoli Stalk
Did you know: The tough part of the broccoli stem is the outer layer on the stalk. You can use a paring or peeler to cut off that tough outer part and use tender inside just as you would the floret. Some of the newer varieties on the market have a soft layer stalk that you do not have to peel. One of which I am planting in my home garden this spring. A few to look for would include:
- Asparbroc F1 | Harris Seed
- Rapini Broccoli | RareSeeds.com
- Artwork Broccoli | Bonnie Plants
Broccoli Stalks Raw
The stalk of the plant can be shredded to make delicious salads. Raw Broccoli Slaw is raw, gluten free, Paleo, Vegetarian and super clean before adding oil and other ingredients. On my website I share a few broccoli slaw recipes using various ingredients to add as a side dish. Don’t be afraid to prep the shredded stalks and use in these dishes. One of my favorite is the Oriental Broccoli Slaw and Ramen Noodle Recipe.
Ideas for Cooking with Broccoli Stalk
Before tossing that stalk into the compost think twice about how you can use it in your menu. Below are a few ideas that I enjoy using in my kitchen year-round.
- Broth – Instead of throwing it away, freeze it, and then when you have enough veggie scraps in your freezer use them to make vegetable broth. Using the tough outer section of the stalk, with or without other veggie bits, can be used to make a vegetable broth.
- Thin slices and then Sauté– Since the stalk is tough it can be hard to steam, but if you slice or chop it finely you can sauté it with a stir-fry or add it to casseroles or frittatas.
- Shred-it – this is how Sweet Tomatoes & Souplantation makes its broccoli slaw. Using the raw stalk and shredding it using a grater adds crunch to a salad or slaw.
- Puree it – You can puree broccoli stalk to make a pesto, using basil, lemon, and olive oil. Or you can puree it to make soup. Chop up the stalks and cook it with broth, onion and garlic, then puree with a blender. Add cream for cream of broccoli soup.
These ideas came to me from Sweet Tomatoes & Souplantation. Due to Covid-19 this Southern California restaurant has shut down. Campbell Ranches, located in Lompoc cuts his broccoli harvest close to the ground just for this restaurant. The farmers’ nickname is ‘Broccoli Bob.’ Broccoli Bob. Fortunately, broccoli is super easy to grow in most hardiness zones so don’t be afraid to grow some of your own.
Lets Connect
I would love to hear from you and what you think of using more of vegetables like broccoli stalk. Be sure to reach out to me on my website with feedback.
Happy Cooking,
