The broccoli cutlets are a vegetarian second course that is tasty, light, flavorful, and very simple to make: perfect to be served with a salad or other vegetables. But if you make them a bit thicker, like a burger, they’re also great with the classic bun for a fast food night. And with the broccoli cutlets, rest assured that even kids will eat them!
Not to be missed
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 5 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Stovetop, Oven, Electric Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Fall, Winter
Ingredients
With these quantities, you will obtain five or six burgers depending on the size you decide to make them.
- 1 broccoli (minimum 300 grams)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- to taste salt
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- to taste breadcrumbs
Tools
- 1 Microwave Steamer Container
- 1 Microwave Oven
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Reusable Parchment Paper Mat
Steps
Clean the broccoli, remove the outer leaves if there are any, detach the florets from the stem, and rinse them well under running water.
Fill the appropriate container for steaming with water, ensuring it almost touches the basket where the broccoli will be placed (HERE is the steamer I use, and I’m very satisfied with it).
Arrange the florets in the basket, trying not to overlap them. Close the container with its lid, leaving the valve open (this refers to my container model, but if you have a different one, follow its instructions).
Place the container in the microwave and set it to 900 Watts for 8-10 minutes. Let the broccoli rest inside the container for 4-5 minutes before removing them.
Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the florets and your oven (you can see mine HERE), so it’s best to check halfway through cooking.
If in your container the florets are overlapping, give them a stir halfway through cooking.
Transfer the florets to a bowl and mash them coarsely with a fork, then add the egg, Parmesan, and salt to taste. If the mixture is too soft and sticky to handle, gradually add breadcrumbs until you reach the right consistency. Form the cutlets (or, if you prefer, you can also make patties), bread them with breadcrumbs, and place them on a baking sheet with the reusable mat. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and bake in a preheated oven at 392°F for twenty minutes.
Notes
Before forming the burgers, you can let the mixture firm up in the refrigerator for an hour.
If you don’t have a microwave, you can boil the broccoli in boiling water for eight to ten minutes or until they are soft.
