Broccoli with Garlic, Bacon & Parmesan

Side Dishes

My approach to this broccoli is to cook it slowly in the seasonings so the garlic blends with smoky bacon. A few simple ingredients make ordinary broccoli irresistible.

Average Rating: 4.8

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
YIELD: 8 servings.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon salt
2 bunches broccoli (about 3 pounds), stems removed, cut into florets
6 thick-sliced bacon strips, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 to 8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Fill a 6-qt. stockpot two-thirds full with water; add salt and bring to a boil over high heat. In batches, add broccoli and cook until broccoli turns bright green, 2-3 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon.
2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 1 tablespoon in pan.
3. Add oil to drippings; heat over medium heat. Add garlic and pepper flakes; cook and stir until garlic is fragrant, 2-3 minutes (do not allow to brown). Add broccoli; cook until broccoli is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in bacon; sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 155 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 371mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges:
2 fat, 1 vegetable.