Perfect Instant Pot Broccoli with Ginger, Tomato, and Garam Masala
Broccoli gets a bad rep for no reason at all. The right kind of broccoli, as in tender fresh broccoli with some gentle flavors is a good thing. Your instant pot is your friend when it comes to good broccoli. I season my Broccoli with Ginger, Tomato, and Garam Masala. If you give yourself about 15 minutes, you will be on your way to perfect Instant Pot Broccoli. So, it has been a good few days away from this space. I have been grappling with the heat. I am also bracing for a rather busy week. The kind that will disappear before I know it, and wonder what hit me on Friday.
My Perfect Instant Pot Broccoli Story
But, Friday is five days away. And, in today’s world that is 20 meals away. So, with the mercury soaring and some gorgeous broccoli in season, let me tell you about how I make perfect fork tender broccoli every day. And since we love fresh flavors in our house, I make sure that the broccoli is gently seasoned with enough flavor to make you wonder why you have not been a broccoli fan all these days. Other simple ways to work with broccoli include this Roasted Broccoli with Cumin and one pot pasta with broccoli.
Some tips and tricks
- Choose good young broccoli, they should be bright green with tight tops. The pressure cooker will make any kind of broccoli soft however, there is a difference in taste and freshness between young broccoli and the slightly older variety.
- The entire process will take about 15 to 20 minutes, as you have to account for the time to allow the pot to come to pressure and the resting time. It is tempting to want to speed this up by increasing the pressure time. Resist that temptation. We make broccoli at least once a week, so the timing is tested and tried.
- Cut the the broccoli into larger pieces, otherwise it will dis-integrate while cooking.
- Between the tomato and broccoli you should not need add more than the 3 tablespoons that I suggest. This is just to loosen and de-glaze the pot.
If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot Facebook group and Legume Love Group. Of course Instant Indian is ready for order, joining its siblings The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.
A well seasons and easy take on cooking broccoli in the instant pot.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 pounds of broccoli, cut into 2 inch pieces
- 1 large tomato, diced ( 3/4 cup)
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh garam masala to finish
Instructions
- Turn the instant pot onto saute mode.
- Add in the oil and allow it to turn hot, this will take a couple of minutes. Add in the cumin seeds and wait until they crackle. Add in the ginger and cook briefly for about 30 seconds.
- Add in the broccoli and the tomato and mix well. Stir in the water and use this to scrape and de-glaze the bottom of the pot well. Turn off the heat.
- Add in the red pepper flakes and the salt. Cover and set on llow pressure mode for 0 minute.
- Release the pressure after 3 minutes
- Remove the lid and stir well.
- Sprinkle with the garam masala and serve.