Easy Broccoli Side Dish

Being Southern, I'm a firm believer that all dinners that aren't pasta or soup need to have at least two veggie sides - thankfully, I've weaned the requisite bread component. With that, I'm always looking for unique, healthy sides that are quick, easy and inexpensive. Often, we use frozen vegetable steam packs which are relatively low calorie and have more nutritional value (and flavor) than canned veggies but I love to incorporate fresh vegetable options.

The side I made today is incredibly easy - as easy as the two-step butternut squash puree, off the beaten path and pretty tasty. 

The flavor you get is nutty and rich, without the calories of a thick cheese sauce and is so customizable to your flavor of hummus. I used "original" and added a little extra minced garlic, so I know a garlic flavor would be great, red pepper would add a little extra pop and pesto flavored could also be good. Lemon should be a required ingredient for any broccoli (or steamed) dish because it brings a remarkable brightness that pairs nicely with the creaminess of the hummus. 

And of course, it's good for you! Steamed broccoli has minimal calories and most hummus are pretty low-calorie as well. You can even take this up a level to super-homemade by making your own hummus - check out this link for a great hummus infographic - super clean eats! 

I served this warm with breaded chicken breast tenderloins and rosemary carrots but it could also be refrigerated and served cold like potato salad, which would make a for a very refreshing summer side dish. 

Pay close attention, because this recipe will be over before you know it. 

Creamy Broccoli 

Ingredients:

3- 3 1/2 c broccoli florets

1/2 c hummus (any flavor, I used Sabra's original) - add more to make thicker, creamier 

salt, pepper, lemon juice to taste

Method:

Prepare broccoli - you can boil it, roast it, grill or steam it. ( I steamed ours until it was bright green and just fork tender). Toss the broccoli with hummus, a pinch of salt and pepper and a quick spritz of lemon juice. Enjoy warm or cold.