Be a broccoli stalker

Do you eat broccoli stalks? If not, why not?

It may be the case that you were only served the florets as a child, so you think that you can't eat the stalks.

Broccoli stalks are both edible and delicious. When you throw away a broccoli stalk you can be chucking away almost half of the vegetable – which not only is a waste of food, it is also a waste of money.

So how can you eat broccoli stalks? To use them, cut the very bottom off the stalk, remove any leaves and then use a vegetable peeler to peel the outer layer. You can then slice, chop, grate or spiralise them. Slice them and steam them with the florets, add them to a soup, stew, salad or stir fry, or grate them for fritters.

This recipe for broccoli balls is a great one to make with children as it teaches them that the stalks are edible as well as encouraging them to eat more vegetables.

For more broccoli stalk recipes visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz.

Broccoli Balls

Makes approximately 12 balls

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli, made up of grated broccoli stalk and/or cooked broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 small onion grated or finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup plain flour
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, finely chopped (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180⁰C.
2. Mix all of the ingredients together.
3. Roll the mixture into teaspoon sized balls then place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, turning the broccoli balls about 8 minutes into cooking time.