Broccoli Crunch

Broccoli Crunch

Makes 4 side servings

Does anyone else here love Whole Foods’ Broccoli Crunch as much as I? Broccoli, toasted cashews, turkey bacon and currants come together in this comforting salad with a crunch. My version is a little healthier than the original and it tastes pretty close to the real thing.

DRESSING
3 tablespoons Vegenaisse Grapeseed Oil Mayo
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (not brewer’s yeast, see note)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

SALAD
2 heads broccoli
2 slices turkey bacon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cashews or walnuts
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 cup currants
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Mix the Vegenaisse, nutritional yeast and lemon juice in a small dish.

Cut the brocolli florettes into small pieces. To utilize the stalk (or broccoli heart as I call it) cut off the thick top portion of the stalk and discard. Pear around the edges of the usable stalk to remove the thick skin. Dice the stalk into 1/2-inch cubes. Place the broccoli florettes and cubes into a large mixing bowl.

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook the turkey bacon about 2 minutes on each side until cooked through. Slice the bacon into 1/2-inch slices and transfer immediately to the bowl with the broccoli.

Add the oil to the hot pan over medium heat and add the sliced onion. Saute until crispr-tender, about 3 minutes. Toss the hot onions, with oil, into the broccoli. Stir.

Toss the nuts into the same hot pan over medium heat. Toast the nuts, flipping frequently, until lightly browned and fragrant, 3-5 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in the maple syrup. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the syrup starts to candy (harden). Toss the nuts into the salad.

Add the currants, salt and the dressing. Stir until completely encorporated and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Note (Nutritional Yeast): This inactive yeast comes in flake form and has a buttery, sweet taste. It is often sprinkled over popcorn or added to sauces for a “buttery” effect. It is high in B-vitamins, especially B12, which is hard to come by for vegetarians. Do not mistake nutritional yeast for brewer’s yeast, as they have a totally different taste and texture. Find nutritional yeast in the supplements section of your local natural foods market.

©2009 Copyright Alison Anton – All rights reserved.