Save Broccoli Stems for Recipes
Save Broccoli Stems for Recipes
Don’t throw away those Broccoli Stems. Today I’m going to share with you a kitchen tip that I have been using for a long time. The next time you buy broccoli and you are going to use the broccoli florets only, save the stems. You can peel the stems and leave them whole, slice the stems or chop them into cubes. Use them right away or freeze them for later.
Not All Stems Are The Same
Most vegetable stems can be tough, woody and lack flavor. However, broccoli stems are tender and have tons of flavor and vitamins. Add the stems to soups, stews and use in stocks. Broccoli stems can be shredded and then added to salads and slaw recipes too. When I make a recipe for creamed broccoli soup, the majority of the broccoli in the soup is from the stem portions.
Great For Soup and Stock
Broccoli stems hold up well, which makes them ideal for longer cooking times. Broccoli florets can then be added at the end of the cooking time. So the next time you buy a bunch of broccoli, keep the stems! Peel the stems, toss them into a ziplock freezer baggie, date the baggie and put the baggie in your freezer. The next time you want to make vegetable stock or broccoli soup, some of the prep work will be already done.
Fresh Is Best
If at all possible and whenever possible, fresh is best. When broccoli is in season where ever you live, head to your favorite farm market or farm stand and pick up some fresh heads of broccoli. Use the broccoli florets in the recipe you’re making and save the stems. The stems have more flavor in my humble culinary opinion than the florets. I’m not a huge fan of “raw” broccoli but I love broccoli that is cooked, steamed or baked.
Recipes:
One of my favorites ways to use broccoli stems is in soup recipes. Here are our favorite recipes using broccoli stems. Cheesy Broccoli Tortellini Soup, Cheesy Broccoli Soup, Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup and a recipe that I make every Thanksgiving, Slow Cooker Broccoli.
16 Comments on “Save Broccoli Stems for Recipes”
I just love this post! – I've used Broccoli stems for years but never thought of freezing them – genius idea! Thank you for networking with us on the CLIMB!
Angie
godsgrowinggarden.com
You are a girl after my Yankee heart. I would love to use my stems. Pinned this. Thanks for bringing this by Weekend Bites.
What a great tip! Thanks for sharing on Weekend Bites!
What a great kitchen tip, I just love the broccoli stems. Hope you are having a fantastic week and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
I absolutely love this! Great post. Pinned. It is so fun to party with you. Thank you. I hope to see you at our party on Monday at 7 pm. http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/
Happy Saturday! Lou Lou Girls
These are such great tips, never thought of adding them to soups either! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Mine would never make it to the freezer….youngest son and I eat them raw. So good!
Great post! I never thought to add them to soups.
~L
Hi Lisa! I never thought to eat them raw! Learn something new every day:) Thanks for stopping, Lynn
Never even thought about using the stems. Great tip! Thanks so much. Best wishes, Darlene
Hi Darlene, Give them a try, you'll love them~
Great tip to save the broccoli stems! I actually like the way they taste better than the florets 🙂
I think they do too, Christina!!
Hi Lynn, nice posting. Usually I don't throw the stems too, I slice it thinly and blanch together with the broccoli florets then stir fry with garlic and oyster sauce. Nice and crunchy.
Love your idea to make into vegetable stock or stew. Thanks for sharing.
Have a nice week ahead, regards.
Hi Amelia~ Thanks so much for stopping by. Never put them in stir fry before:) Hope your enjoying your day~ Lynn
I slice off the outside of the stems and cut the center into sticks and eat them raw. Absolutely love broccoli stems.
Great idea Stephanie! I'm going to have to give that a try:) Lynn