Side Dish · Snack · Mediterranean ·

Chicory Smoked Broccoli with Chili Walnut Pesto

Name: Chicory Smoked Broccoli with Chili Walnut Pesto
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Side Dish
Ingredients: 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon chicory root powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 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; 2 tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds; Grated lemon zest from 1 lemon

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.

4.8(730 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 4, 2025

Chicory Smoked Broccoli with Chili Walnut Pesto — Side Dish served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Broccoli

For the Chili Walnut Pesto

For Garnishing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 422 kcal
Protein: 9 g
Carbs: 12.2 g
Fat: 40.5 g
Fiber: 4.1 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1689 kcal
Protein: 35.9 g
Carbs: 48.7 g
Fat: 161.9 g
Fiber: 16.3 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 large head of broccoli cut into florets	55	4.3	11.2	0.6	5.1
2 tablespoons olive oil	238	0	0	27	0
1 tablespoon chicory root powder	30	0.6	9.1	0.1	0.9
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup walnuts toasted	654	15.2	13.7	65.2	6.7
2 cloves garlic minced	8	0.4	1.8	0	0.1
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves	5	0.5	1	0.1	0.5
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese	110	10	1	7	0
1 teaspoon red chili flakes	6	0.3	1.1	0.4	0.5
1/4 cup olive oil	477	0	0	54	0
Juice of 1 lemon	12	0.2	3.7	0.1	0.1
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds	88	4.4	3	7.4	1.4
Grated lemon zest from 1 lemon	6	0.1	2.1	0	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Broccoli

1
Mix the Marinade
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, chicory root powder, salt, and pepper.
2
Toss the Broccoli
Add broccoli florets and toss until evenly coated.
3
Marinate
Let the broccoli marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Preparing the Chili Walnut Pesto

1
Combine Ingredients
In a food processor, combine toasted walnuts, garlic, basil, Parmesan, and chili flakes.
2
Chop Coarsely
Pulse until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.
3
Blend with Oil and Lemon
With the processor running, gradually add olive oil and lemon juice until smooth.
Tip: Do not over-process the pesto; keep it slightly chunky for the best texture. Adjust chili flakes to taste.

How to Make Chicory Smoked Broccoli with Chili Walnut Pesto

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Smoke the Broccoli
Arrange marinated broccoli on a smoking tray and smoke over low heat for 45 minutes.
2
Blend the Pesto
Ensure the pesto remains slightly coarse for a textured finish.
3
Roast for Finish
After smoking, quickly roast the broccoli in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10 minutes for a crispy exterior.