Famous Broccoli Salad with Cumin, Garlic, and Sesame
A delightful and healthy broccoli salad bursting with flavor, featuring cumin, garlic, and sesame oil, perfect for potlucks and meal prepping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g broccoli florets, large florets halved or cut into thirds (about 3 medium or 2 large broccoli heads, 1kg/2lb in total)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar, sherry vinegar, cider vinegar)
- 3/4 tsp salt, cooking/kosher (if using table salt: 1/2 tsp)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced (using knife, not a crusher)
- 2 tsp cumin seeds (whole, not powder)
- 2 tsp sesame oil (roasted)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes/chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Toss broccoli in red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Set aside for 10 minutes to lightly pickle the broccoli.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, cumin seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring, until garlic turns light golden.
- Stir in sesame oil.
Assembly
- Pour the oil mix over the broccoli immediately. Toss very well using a rubber spatula to scrape up all the oil from the sides of the bowl.
Marination
- Leave the salad on the counter for at least 1 hour to marinate, or refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
Serving
- Offer the salad at room temperature for the best flavor—avoid serving it cold.
Notes
Ensure the broccoli is fresh and crisp for the best texture. Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic and cumin used. Variations can include ingredients like raisins, nuts, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and flavor.