Broccoli with Garlic, Fennel, and Mustard Seeds

In Indian cuisine, the most common method of cooking vegetables is to give tadka, which means cooking vegetables in a spice-infused oil. In Bengal, tadka is usually of mustard oil and mustard seeds and then adding green chilies at the end of the cooking, which give a very strong flavor.

SERVES 6

4 tablespoons mustard oil or extra virgin olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds

1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds

A 1-inch cinnamon stick

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 pounds fresh broccoli, trimmed and cut into

spears

4 tablespoons vegetable broth

2 green chilies, cut lengthwise

salt to taste

A 2-inch fresh ginger, cut into juliennes

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cook until they sizzle—about 1 minute. Add the fennel seeds, cinnamon stick, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally until very fragrant— about 2 minutes.

Add the broccoli and stir until it’s covered with the infused oil. Add the salt and vegetable broth. Stir and cover for 2 minutes.Add the chilies and stir. Continue until the broccoli is cooked and dry, stirring occasionally.

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with ginger juliennes.