GARLIC, TURMERIC ROASTED BROCCOLI

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Today, I’m sharing a recipe that has become a go-to side dish for my autoimmune wellness journey: Roasted Garlic Turmeric Broccoli Steaks. Broccoli, when sliced into thick, steak-like pieces, roasts beautifully in the oven, creating a satisfying balance of tender stalks and crispy florets. When combined with garlic and turmeric, this dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, and perfect for supporting a balanced, healthy diet.

This recipe is easy to prepare, and I love how adaptable it is. It pairs well with so many dishes, from proteins to salads, or even on its own as a light meal. If you’re looking for ways to add more vegetables to your meals, these broccoli steaks will be a hit. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special for those of us managing autoimmune conditions and for anyone looking to eat healthily.

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Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Autoimmune Wellness

Following an autoimmune-friendly diet doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or variety. In fact, one of the joys of an AIP lifestyle is discovering how nourishing and delicious whole foods can be. I created this recipe with autoimmune wellness in mind, so it’s fully AIP-compliant, gluten-free, dairy-free, and free from any ingredients that could trigger inflammation.

Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli is a true nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function and skin health. It also provides a good amount of vitamin K, which supports bone health, and fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Fiber helps promote a balanced gut microbiome, which is particularly important for those managing autoimmune conditions, as gut health is strongly linked to immune health.

Why Turmeric and Garlic are Superstars for AIP

Both turmeric and garlic have long been praised for their health benefits, especially in traditional diets. Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that curcumin can help reduce inflammation and may even help improve symptoms for those with chronic inflammatory conditions. Garlic, on the other hand, is rich in antioxidants and contains compounds that support immune health. It also adds a warm, rich flavor to any dish, making it a great seasoning for AIP recipes.

When you combine these ingredients, you’re not just making a tasty dish—you’re also creating a side that provides key nutrients to help support your body’s natural defenses.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For this recipe, I like to keep the ingredients list short and simple, allowing each ingredient to shine:

• 2 heads of broccoli, cut into thick “steak-like” slices (about 500 g / 17.6 oz total)
  • Look for fresh broccoli with tight, firm florets for the best flavor and texture.
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) avocado oil (or your preferred AIP-friendly oil)
  • Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for roasting. It’s also loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health and anti-inflammatory processes.
• 2 teaspoons (4 g) turmeric powder
  • Turmeric adds a warm, earthy flavor and a vibrant golden color to the broccoli. If you’re able to, look for organic turmeric for the most potent flavor and benefits.
• 2 teaspoons (4 g) garlic powder or 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 12 g / 0.4 oz)
  • Garlic infuses the broccoli with a deliciously savory aroma and flavor. For AIP diets, fresh garlic is recommended over dried for optimal health benefits.
• Salt to taste
  • A sprinkle of salt helps bring out the natural flavors of each ingredient. For an AIP diet, try using mineral-rich sea salt.
• 1/8 teaspoon kelp

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, it’s time to prepare the broccoli. Wash each head of broccoli thoroughly, then trim the ends. Slice each head into thick, steak-like pieces, aiming for uniform thickness to ensure even roasting. This “steak” approach gives the broccoli a more substantial texture, with each piece having a crispy exterior and a tender interior.

Step 2: Season the Broccoli

In a large mixing bowl, combine the avocado oil, turmeric powder, minced garlic, kelp, and a generous pinch of salt. Toss the broccoli steaks in this mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated. You’ll notice that the turmeric adds a beautiful golden hue that will deepen as the broccoli roasts, giving it a visually appealing finish.

Step 3: Roast

Arrange the broccoli steaks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, and roast for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the broccoli toward the end of the roasting time, as it can go from perfectly crispy to overdone quickly. You want the edges to be slightly browned and crispy, while the stalks remain tender.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once your broccoli steaks are golden and crispy on the edges, remove them from the oven. These can be enjoyed hot right out of the oven for the crispiest texture, but they’re also great at room temperature. Serve alongside your favorite protein, on a salad, or as a wholesome snack on their own.

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Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about this Roasted Garlic Turmeric Broccoli is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

1. As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or a hearty soup. It complements any protein and adds a pop of color and flavor to your plate.
2. Tossed into a Salad: Add leftover broccoli steaks to a green salad for extra crunch and flavor.
3. On its Own: Sometimes I enjoy these broccoli steaks just as they are, with a bit of extra seasoning, as a light and nutritious snack.

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Tips for Making the Perfect Broccoli Steaks

1. Choose Fresh Broccoli: For the best flavor and texture, select broccoli that’s bright green with firm stalks and tightly packed florets.
2. Cut Evenly: When slicing your broccoli into “steaks,” try to keep them uniform in thickness. This ensures they’ll cook evenly, with each piece having the perfect balance of crispy florets and tender stalks.
3. Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: The seasoning is what makes this dish special. Garlic, turmeric, and salt work together to create a savory, earthy flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.

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Health Benefits of Turmeric and Garlic

Both turmeric and garlic are potent superfoods. Here’s a closer look at their health benefits:

• Turmeric: The curcumin in turmeric is a strong anti-inflammatory agent, known to help reduce joint pain and other inflammation-related symptoms. It’s been studied extensively for its potential benefits for autoimmune conditions, digestive health, and even mental well-being. To increase the absorption of curcumin, you can pair it with a healthy fat (like avocado oil) as we do in this recipe.
• Garlic: Often referred to as nature’s antibiotic, garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties. For those with autoimmune concerns, garlic can be particularly beneficial because of its support for a healthy immune response and its rich antioxidant profile. Just a few cloves can transform the flavor of a dish while supporting immune health.

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Final Thoughts

This Roasted Garlic Turmeric Broccoli Steaks recipe is a simple yet powerful way to nourish your body and add a pop of color to your meals. With only a few ingredients, it’s easy to prepare but loaded with nutrients to support your autoimmune wellness journey.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts. And if you’re new to my blog, don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on more AIP-friendly recipes, tips, and resources to support your journey to health and wellness.