Transform broccoli stems into crispy snacks, reduce food waste

Broccoli is a healthy vegetable, and we typically eat only the florets, while the stem is often overlooked. However, it contains plenty of flavour and nutrients. Instead of discarding it, try making these sticks. This dish is exceptionally easy to prepare with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

The secret to perfect sticks lies in preparing the broccoli stem properly. After grating, drain the excess water thoroughly for better consistency and even baking. You can also experiment with the seasoning: I add oregano and smoked paprika, but other spices work well too. I use cornmeal, which is a great gluten-free option, although regular wheat flour is also suitable.

Ingredients:

                                      
• 1 broccoli stem,
• 1 egg,
• 50 g grated mozzarella or Parmesan,
• 150 g cornmeal or wheat flour,
• 1 teaspoon oregano,
• half a teaspoon granulated garlic,
• half a teaspoon smoked paprika,
• half a teaspoon baking powder,
• olive oil,
• salt and pepper.

Preparation:

                      
1. Peel the broccoli stem of the tough outer skin and grate it using a grater with large holes.
2. Place the grated stem on a clean kitchen cloth or paper towel and squeeze out the excess water firmly.
3. In a bowl, mix the grated and drained broccoli stem with flour, egg, grated cheese, two tablespoons of olive oil, and spices. Add baking powder to make the sticks fluffy.
4. Knead the mixture until it forms a flexible dough. If it's too dry, add a little water or milk.
5. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into thin sticks. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Brush the sticks with olive oil and bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes until they are golden and crispy.