Broccoli Stem Hummus

While most of us have been taught to cook with just the florets on a broccoli crown, those bodacious stems are seriously delicious and versatile, with a taste and texture similar to kohlrabi. Try peeling the stems, then slicing them up and tossing with olive oil, and flaky sea salt for veggie platters. You could also simmer them until tender to make a puree, or whip up our newest obsession…Broccoli Hummus!

Whoever said hummus has to have chickpeas needs to try this recipe. This broccoli hummus is ridiculously light and fluffy, and chock full of flavor thanks to all the fresh herbs, lemon, garlic, and broccoli stems. So here’s to re-thinking food waste, and the ways we utilize every part of our hard-earned fruits and veggies.

Recipe and photo by Michelle Aronson of Farmbelly!

Ingredients

• 2 c peeled and chopped broccoli stems
• 1-2 garlic cloves
• 1⁄4 c tahini
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1⁄2 c chopped fresh herbs (we like thyme or oregano)
• 1⁄2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your broccoli stems and boil for 5 minutes, or until tender.
2. Drain the vegetables and plunge them into an ice bath.
3. Drain the stems again and place them in a food processor along with the garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped herbs, and salt.
4. Process the mixture until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Enjoy with a slice of pita, on a sandwich, or with a few carrots and cucumber slices.

Recipe Notes and Variations

• If you grow broccoli at home and your florets start going to flower, pick those lovely flowers and garnish all your dishes with them.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in your hummus, like parsley, tarragon, chives, cumin, paprika, za’atar, or whatever you like!