SHAVED BROCCOLI STEM SALAD WITH LEMON & PECORINO

Root-to-leaf cooking has long been an obsession of mine. There's nothing I love more than using as many parts of my produce possible & finding the most delicious ways to use them.   I have a lot of "fridge anxiety" where I'm constantly worried about what is about to go bad at every minute.  It's a first world problem, but I'm very in tune with my fridge and what's happening inside it.  (I even have a fridge list I update weekly, I know.) As much as I love it, I’m always in the mood. I can't promise you I always keep my zucchini tops or radish greens to "braise", but there are a few tried and true waste-not ideas I can’t live without.

One of my favorites is by far broccoli stems.  They are such a versatile vegetable that most people throw away entirely.  (Such a shame!)  This salad feels like a victory.  Like an amazing meal out of the random things left in your fridge. Not to mention, a 2-for-1 bargain that you’ll want to tell everyone about. 

This Winter salad is perfect for the colder months when you crave something heartier than a delicate spring green.  It’s so simple, and I promise you’ll start craving broccoli stems.  Life-changing salads is not a phrase I’d use often, but this one truly is.

Radish/Turnip Greens = sauté with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. top with shaved parmesan.

Fennel Fronds = add raw fronds to salads, avocado toast, etc! Also amazing in tuna or potato salad.

Cauliflower hearts = perfect for soups, or seared with olive oil, sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

Almond Pulp (from making almond milk) = Granola! 

Celery Leaves = Homemade celery salt

Beet Greens = braised or sautéed with garlic, olive oil or with balsamic reduction

Mushroom Stems = perfect for vegetable stocks or soup!

Broccoli Stem Salad with Lemon & Pecorino (Serves 2-4) Gluten-free, grain-free

  • 4 stalks broccoli
  • 2 oz. pecorino romano, shaved
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper

Dressing:

  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 lemon, juice
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4-1/3 extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

To prep the broccoli stems:  shave the knobby, waxed skin from the sides with a peeler.  Then, using a mandolin, shave the broccoli stems thin into a serving bowl.  Continue until all stalks are shaved.  Set aside.

To make dressing:  add garlic clove, lemon, vinegar, salt and pepper to a small bowl.  Mix together well, then add olive oil in a steady stream until emulsified.

Toss the broccoli stems with dressing and mix until well coated.  Shave the pecorino atop & season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.  Serve immediately, but this salad will last in the fridge (covered) for about a day or two.