Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs fresh broccoli crowns
  • 4 large cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 large lemon, for zest and juice
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 tsp coarse sea salt
  • 0.25 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 220°C. Place your empty, large rimmed baking sheet inside while the oven warms up. Note: This ensures the broccoli starts searing the second it touches the pan.
  2. Prepare the broccoli by cutting the crowns into medium florets. Aim for at least one flat side on every piece to maximize pan contact.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the florets with the extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Toss the mixture vigorously. You want the oil to get inside all the little bushy tops of the broccoli.
  5. Carefully pull the hot tray out of the oven. Use an oven mitt!
  6. Dump the broccoli onto the tray in a single layer. Listen for that immediate sizzle; that’s the sound of flavor developing.
  7. Slide the tray back into the oven and roast for 12 minutes. Do not open the door to check — keep that heat locked in.
  8. While it roasts, thinly slice your garlic cloves into paper thin chips.
  9. After 12 minutes, open the oven and quickly scatter the garlic over the top. Roast for another 2–3 minutes until the garlic is golden but not dark brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and immediately shower the pan with lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and sesame seeds. Toss once more and serve while hot.