![\"\"](\"/static/img/badges/bage_top.png\")
![\"\"](\"/static/img/badges/misc.png\")
![\"\"](\"/static/img/badges/bage_buttom.png\")
📝 Description
![\"\"](\"/static/img/badges/l1a.png\")
84
![\"\"](\"/static/img/badges/r1.png\")
🥘 Ingredients
To each 1/2 gallon of water allow 1 heaped tablespoonful of salt; brocoli. [Illustration: BOILED BROCOLI.]
👨🍳 Method
Strip off the dead outside leaves, and the inside ones cut off level with the flower; cut off the stalk close at the bottom, and put the brocoli into cold salt and water, with the heads downwards. When they have remained in this for about 3/4 hour, and they are _perfectly_ free from insects, put them into a saucepan of _boiling_ water, salted in the above proportion, and keep them boiling quickly over a brisk fire, with the saucepan uncovered. Take them up with a slice the moment they are done; drain them well, and serve with a tureen of melted butter, a _little_ of which should be poured over the brocoli. If left in the water after it is done, it will break, its colour will be spoiled, and its crispness gone.
📜 From Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management (1861). Public domain.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
I tried the old-fashioned boiled broccoli recipe from Mrs. Beeton this week, eager to see if it would hold up against my usual steamed method. The first surprise came when I actually *didn't* end up with a mushy, overcooked mess. The key, I found, was in the timing and the cold-to-hot water technique. The initial soak in cold water was a revelation—I've never thought to do that before, but it seemed to help the broccoli cook evenly. This recipe is perfect for the weeknight cook who wants to try something a bit old-school. My favorite part was pouring the hot, melted butter over the broccoli at the end—it added a richness that I didn't expect. The broccoli held its color and crispness beautifully. I'll definitely be keeping this method in my back pocket for when I want a quick, no-fuss side dish. Next time, I might even try it with a bit of garlic or lemon in the butter for extra flavor.
