Roasted Broccoli with Feta Cheese and Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

Broccoli roasted at high temperatures is super tender on the inside and crispy and lightly charred on the outside.

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of paprika flakes and crumbled feta cheese will give the broccoli a Mediterranean flavor.
Of course, you can skip these additions and just enjoy the super crispy high-temperature roasted broccoli without any optional extras!

Ingredients:

Broccoli (700 g)
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt
1/2 to 1 teaspoon paprika flakes (optional)
Lemon (optional)
Feta cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 260°C. Place a large baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
2. Cut off the thick bottom part of the broccoli stem. Use a razor or sharp knife to peel off the tough outer layer; also remove the leaves from the stalk. Cut the broccoli lengthwise into even-sized pieces, leaving a long, flat stem at the bottom of each piece, which will brown and crisp nicely in the oven.
3. Place the chopped broccoli in a large bowl. Drizzle with enough oil to coat the broccoli pieces (about half a cup). Add a large pinch of salt.
4. You’ll need to do this very quickly (so the baking sheet stays hot). First, grab a pair of tongs and place the broccoli next to the oven. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and use the tongs to arrange the broccoli pieces in a single layer on the sheet (cut side down). Leave any excess oil in the bowl. Return the sheet to the preheated oven.
5. Bake cut side down for 10 minutes until nicely browned. Flip and bake for about 5 more minutes until browned.
6. Arrange the broiled broccoli on a plate. Sprinkle with a little more salt and pepper flakes. Squeeze in the lemon juice. Garnish with feta cheese (optional). Enjoy!

Yield: 4 servings
Recipe: themediterraneandish.com