Broccoli is one of the most popular vegetables in the world. It is used extensively in most cultures and is usually served boiled or steamed. With large flower heads, and its small tree-like appearance, broccoli resembles cauliflower and belongs to the same species. Broccoli has a special place in Italian and other European cuisines.
Getting on Your Nerves
Your nervous system is one of the most important aspects of your body, the connecting system that transmits sensations and impulses from your brain to the tips of your toes. Your bodily functions rely on your nervous system. Broccoli contains high amounts of potassium, which helps your body maintain a healthy nervous system and aids in the growth of your muscles.
Raising the Roof
High blood pressure is a real danger to your way of life. It can lead to heart problems, damage to your arteries and even an aneurysm. The symptoms of hypertension could wreak havoc in your body. Broccoli contains magnesium and calcium, two factors that help in the control and regulation of blood pressure.
The Big C
Cancer is one of the hardest diseases to combat – the disease itself sapping the patient’s strength along with the harsh procedures required to eliminate the possibility of relapse. Broccoli is rich in glucoraphanin, which is processed by the body to form sulforaphane, which is an anti-cancerous compound. It further rids the body of H. Pylori. This is a bacterium that increases the risk of the incurrence of gastric cancer. Broccoli also contains indole-3-carbinol, which is an antioxidant as well as an anti-carcinogen. These properties prevent the growth of cervical, breast and prostate cancer.
Skin Sensation
Exposure to the Sun is essential for our survival but it has its drawbacks. Overexposure could result in skin damage. So, in addition to your sunscreen, you should eat more broccolis which contain glucoraphanin which aids in the detoxification of the skin. It also assists the body in repairing damaged skin.
Fibre Fantastic
Broccoli is rich in fibre and has the advantage of being composed of half-soluble and half-insoluble fibre. This makes it the perfect source of fibre as it encompasses both aspects of fibre that your body requires.
Broccoli and Cheese Balls recipe from Tarla Dalal
In spit of being a super food, broccoli does not find its way to the average Indian’s plate with the regularity it deserves. Here is a mouth watering snack by legendary recipe queen Tarla Dalal that will have you reaching for the vegetable with gusto.
Ingredients
1 tbsp oil
½ cup finely chopped onions
1 tsp finely chopped garlic
2 tsp finely chopped green chillies
1 cup finely chopped broccoli
2 tbsp corn flour
¾ cup boiled, peeled and mashed potatoes
Salt (to taste)
15 cubes of mozzarella cheese cut into 25 mm (1”) cubes
Bread crumbs (for rolling)
Oil (for deep-frying)
Method
Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the onions, garlic and green chillies and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the broccoli and sauté the mix for another 4 to 5 minutes till the broccoli is almost cooked. Remove from the flame, add the corn flour, potatoes and salt and mix well.
Divide the mixture into 15 equal portions and shape each portion into a flat round. Press a little in the centre of each round to make a depression. Place a mozzarella cheese cube in the centre of each patty and roll again to form a ball.
Roll each ball in breadcrumbs in such a way that the balls are evenly coated from all sides. Heat the oil in a kadhai on a medium flame and deep fry the balls, till they are golden brown in colour from all sides.
Drain on absorbent paper and serve hot.
