Getting kids to eat vegetables can be a challenge, and broccoli often gets a bad reputation. However, my children seem to tolerate it, especially when it’s cooked in a way that makes it easy to eat. I typically roast it in our toaster oven, which involves chopping, drizzling with olive oil, and often results in burnt crowns (let’s just say I’m not the best cook). Over time, I’ve picked up a few tips to enhance its flavor, like Kristen Bell’s pretzel and Parmesan broccoli, which is always a hit. Some parents swear by serving raw broccoli with dips or hummus, which I totally understand, but I feel that older kids usually enjoy more sophisticated vegetable presentations.
That said, I was completely wowed by this new TikTok hack for cooking broccoli. It’s pure genius!
TikTok user @SammyGreen235 answered the call to #showmethelifehack by cooking a whole head of broccoli upside down in boiling water. If you visualize broccoli as a tree, she places the crown into the water while leaving the trunk sticking out like a handle. After boiling, she simply lifts it out by the non-hot stem and effortlessly cuts off the cooked florets, as if slicing through butter.
This technique is perfect for softening broccoli, especially for those starting baby-led weaning, and I wish I had a little one to try it with! It also makes the broccoli tender enough to blend into mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or rice, effectively hiding it among other flavors. Plus, it’s delicious for kids to munch on by itself, although I would definitely sprinkle a little salt on top.
Want to explore more tips? Check out our other blog post here for more life hacks that make parenting easier.
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- Broccoli cooking hacks
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- Kids vegetable tips
- Healthy meal ideas for children
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In summary, this TikTok broccoli hack simplifies the cooking process and ensures delicious results, making it a must-try for parents looking to get their kids to enjoy vegetables.

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