how to keep broccoli warm without it being mushy?

[fldhkybnva]

I plan to serve ever-so fresh steamed broccoli with butter and garlic at an open house/dinner type event at which people will come and eat at various different times. So, I will need to keep the broccoli warm. Is there a way to do this without it turning mushy?

[jvanderh]

I think I would try bringing (salted) water to a boil, putting in the broccoli, and then turning off the heat. You might want to do a dry run, though, in case you actually need to boil it for a minute or two before turning it off.

[letsindulge]

Blanch the lot in salted water, then shock. Keep a pot of water simmering and do batches as you need them. Should only need a quick dip. Any other attempt to keep them warm will result in a mushy mess.

[Zalbar]

Cook the broccoli to desired doneness, then chill rapidly in ice water, set aside. When ready to start plating throw back into a large pot of boiling water to bring it back up to temp.

[ipsedixit]

What's wrong with room temp steamed broccoli?

I think I actually prefer it that way, now that I think about it.

[magiesmom]

me, too.

[fldhkybnva]

There is nothing wrong with it, I just don't like it

[ipsedixit]

Maybe your guests will.

[escondido123]

If you use olive oil instead of butter, that dish is something you would see for hours at an Italian restaurant antipasto buffet.

[fldhkybnva]

Warm I assume? Just keep warm over simmering water?

[escondido123]

Not warm, room temp. I don't remember ever seeing it kept warm on an Italian buffet.

[JeremyEG]

Could you just cook it for a bit less time to keep it from getting too soft? Then again I like the stuff even raw so maybe that won't work. : )
JeremyEG
HomeCookLocavore.com

[fldhkybnva]

Yea, I could definitely do that as well as it will probably sit for at least a bit before the 1st round of people show up. While I don't like cold broccoli, I do like my broccoli to have a bit of crunch as well.

[sandylc]

I have kept broccoli over cooling-off steaming water without a lid for short periods, but probably not long enough for your purposes.

Maybe you should roast it and serve it at room temperature?

[fldhkybnva]

Yea, I thought about that and that I might have to sacrifice since I don't really enjoy room temperature or cold broccoli.