1 lb broccoli, florets and stems
2 tablespoon olive oil
red pepper flakes, to taste
1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
slices of whole wheat bread
Wash the broccoli well. Peel and chop the broccoli stem. Chop the florets. In a large pan, add just enough water to cover the pan by about an inch (as deep as your thumb) and bring to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 2 minutes until the broccoli has softened but still firm. Drain well. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess water. Chop the broccoli into smaller bite size pieces.
In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook for 1 minute until garlic begins to brown. Add chopped broccoli, lemon zest, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is tender.
Place slices of bread in the oven or toaster oven until lightly brown on both sides. Add a scoop of broccoli mixture and a sprinkle of grated cheese. Return to the oven/toaster oven and bake until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. Serve immediately with love!