The Best 20-Minute Broccoli You’ll Ever Make!

Let’s be honest, steamed broccoli can be a little… boring. But what if I told you that you could transform it into a vibrant, crave-worthy side dish in just 20 minutes? This Instant Pot recipe does exactly that! We’re steaming broccoli to tender-crisp perfection while whipping up a luxuriously creamy, no-cook basil and avocado sauce. It’s packed with fresh flavor, healthy fats, and protein, making it the perfect partner for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.

Ingredients

• For the Steamed Broccoli
• 1 lb (about 450g) broccoli, chopped into florets
• 1 cup (240ml) water
• For the Creamy Basil Sauce
• ½ cup (about 25g) fresh basil, packed
• ½ cup (115g) cottage cheese
• ½ cup (75g) avocado, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp dried parsley
• ¼ tsp dried oregano

Instructions

1. Directions
2. Pour 1 cup of water into the stainless steel insert of your Instant Pot. Place the trivet in the bottom, followed by a steamer basket.
3. Add the broccoli florets to the steamer basket. Secure the lid, move the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position, and press the “Steam” button. Set the timer for 1 minute for firm, tender-crisp broccoli.
4. While the broccoli cooks, prepare the sauce. Combine the fresh basil, cottage cheese, avocado, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes, parsley, and oregano in a food processor or high-speed blender.
5. Blend the until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to pause and scrape down the sides of the container to ensure everything is well incorporated.
6. When the Instant Pot timer finishes, carefully perform a quick release by moving the valve to the “Venting” position. Once the pin drops, open the lid and transfer the steamed broccoli to a serving plate.
7. Drizzle the creamy basil sauce generously over the hot broccoli. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

• Per Serving: Calories 187 | Total Fats 10.8g | Net Carbs: 10g | Protein 10.4g | Fiber: 6g

Pro Tips

• For a thinner sauce, blend in a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• The 1-minute steam time with a quick pressure release is key for perfectly tender-crisp broccoli. A natural release will make it too soft.
• Make a double batch of the sauce! It’s a fantastic dip for raw veggies, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for grilled chicken.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the cottage cheese with a high-quality silken tofu or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
• Add a handful of pine nuts or walnuts to the food processor for a richer, nuttier flavor in your sauce.

FAQ

Q: How long do you cook broccoli in an Instant Pot for this recipe
A: For firm, tender-crisp broccoli, you should steam it for just 1 minute in the Instant Pot, followed by a quick pressure release.

Q: How do I prevent my broccoli from getting mushy
A: To avoid mushy broccoli, it is crucial to perform a quick pressure release as soon as the 1-minute timer finishes. A natural release will overcook the broccoli and make it too soft.

Q: Can I make this creamy broccoli recipe dairy-free
A: Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting the cottage cheese in the sauce with a high-quality silken tofu or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

Q: What are other ways to use the creamy basil sauce
A: The versatile basil and avocado sauce is also fantastic as a dip for raw vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for grilled chicken.