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Creamy Charred Broccoli with Cardamom and Almonds – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Creamy Charred Broccoli with Cardamom and Almonds

Inspired by a dish from Chulha in Goa, this creamy charred broccoli recipe features a tangy cream cheese coating, warm spices like cardamom and nutmeg, and a satisfying char. The secret is working the mixture into every nook and cranny and using high heat for beautifully blistere
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 serving
Calories: 265

Ingredients
  

  • Some food memories are so vivid they transport you right back to the moment. For me, this dish is one of them. I was at a vibrant restaurant called Chulha in Goa, surrounded by friends, when a plate of this broccoli arrived. One bite was all it took. The world went quiet as I savored the incredible combination of creamy, tangy coating, the warm spice of cardamom and nutmeg, and the deeply satisfying char on the tender-crisp florets. It was a revelation! I knew I had to recreate that magic at home. The secret, I discovered, is to be generous, working that incredible cream cheese mixture into every single nook and cranny, and embracing the high heat to get those beautifully blistered, slightly smoky edges. This isn't just a side dish; it's the star of the show.
  • 1½ pounds / 680g (24 oz) broccoli florets
  • 8 ounces (225 g / 7.9 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) ground black pepper
  • ¾ teaspoon (4 ml / 0.1 fl oz) ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) salt
  • 1/3 of a whole nutmeg, freshly grated
  • 4 tablespoons (60 ml / 2 fl oz) plain Greek yogurt
  • ¾ cup (85 g / 3 oz) ground almonds
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) lemon juice
  • For easier mixing, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you begin.
  • Use freshly grated nutmeg and freshly ground cardamom from pods for a significantly more aromatic and flavorful result.
  • The level of char is up to you. Watch the broccoli closely in the last few minutes of cooking and pull it out when it reaches your desired level of crispiness.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F / 200°C and line two large baking pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the broccoli by breaking or cutting the head into bite-sized florets.
  3. Set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, black pepper, cardamom, salt, grated nutmeg, Greek yogurt, ground almonds, and lemon juice.
  5. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined into a smooth, thick paste.
  6. Add the broccoli florets to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture.
  7. Using your hands is best for this part—gently massage the mixture onto the broccoli, ensuring it gets into all the nooks and crannies of each floret.
  8. Spread the coated broccoli in a single layer across the two prepared baking pans. Give them space to roast rather than steam.
  9. Roast for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the pans from the oven. Use tongs to turn the pieces over.
  10. Return to the oven and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and beautifully charred in spots.
  11. To serve, pile the charred broccoli high in a serving bowl or on a platter.
  12. Enjoy immediately.
  13. Don't overcrowd the baking pans.
  14. Spreading the broccoli in a single layer is essential for achieving a good char and preventing the florets from steaming.

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 10gFat: 21g

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