Chicory Smoked Broccoli with Chili Walnut Pesto

Name: Chicory Smoked Broccoli with Chili Walnut Pesto
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Side Dish
Ingredients: 1 large head of broccoli; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon chicory root powder; Salt and pepper; 1 cup walnuts; 2 cloves garlic; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon red chili flakes; 1/4 cup olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt; 2 tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds; Grated lemon zest from 1 lemon

A smoky and spicy treat for your taste buds

This dish perfectly combines the smoky flavors of chicory-infused broccoli with the vibrant kick of chili walnut pesto, making it an ideal choice for adventurous palates.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Broccoli

1 large head of broccoli

cut into florets

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon chicory root powder

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Chili Walnut Pesto

1 cup walnuts

toasted

2 cloves garlic

minced

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon red chili flakes

1/4 cup olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt

to taste

For Garnishing

2 tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds

Grated lemon zest from 1 lemon

Preparation

Marinating the Broccoli

Mix the Marinade

In a large bowl, mix olive oil, chicory root powder, salt, and pepper.

Toss the Broccoli

Add broccoli florets and toss until evenly coated.

Marinate

Let the broccoli marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Preparing the Chili Walnut Pesto

Combine Ingredients

In a food processor, combine toasted walnuts, garlic, basil, Parmesan, and chili flakes.

Chop Coarsely

Pulse until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.

Blend with Oil and Lemon

With the processor running, gradually add olive oil and lemon juice until smooth.

Do not over-process the pesto; keep it slightly chunky for the best texture. Adjust chili flakes to taste.

Cooking Process

Smoke the Broccoli

Arrange marinated broccoli on a smoking tray and smoke over low heat for 45 minutes.

Blend the Pesto

Ensure the pesto remains slightly coarse for a textured finish.

Roast for Finish

After smoking, quickly roast the broccoli in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10 minutes for a crispy exterior.

Plating & Serving