Easy Zesty Broccoli

Fresh broccoli, leaves removed, stalk intact

Lemon, and zester

Balsamic vinegar

Steam the broccoli so that it's still crisp-tender, about 11 minutes in a steamer.

Cut the florets from the stem.

Using a zester, sprinkle fresh lemon zest over a serving of broccoli florets.

Follow up with sprinkles of balsamic vinegar.

This is my best broccoli recipe. It's simple and healthy and absolutely delicious. You don't need salt or butter. You don't have to mince a clove of garlic (which makes your hands stink) or dice an onion (which makes you cry).

Just steam some broccoli, zest some lemon rind over it, add a dab of balsamic vinegar, and bam, you're done, that's your green vegetable at the very height of its flavor and nutrition zenith.

Please try it and let me know what you think. I know this recipe absolutely rocked my world when I found it about 12 or 13 years ago. I can get tired of it, but it takes work. Then I make savory steamed broccoli, and I'm ready for lemon zest and balsamic within a couple of weeks.

By the way, you don't have to use the best 18-year-old balsamic vinegar. This recipe is great with tangy new balsamic vinegar. (But of course, if you've got the good stuff, don't hesitate to use it!)

--Bay

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