Steamed broccoli is always a nice option. This takes that steamed version, and ups it several notches. A fun way to let kids eat with their hands! This is also a great option to let the kids help with, so they can see what fun it is to cook a vegetable and then enjoy the results of the effort!
Broccoli tots
Yield: 20 - 24 tots
Ingredients
2 large heads broccoli, tough stalk trimmed and cut into large florets
1 1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt or seasoning salt (like 4S from Penzeys)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 T nutritional yeast (or parmesan, if you rather)
fresh pepper to taste
4 large eggs
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, set aside.
Place the broccoli florets in a microwave safe bowl, and cook, stirring a few times, for up to 10 minutes or until cooked through, bright green and fork tender. Let cool slightly.
While you are waiting for the broccoli to cool, in a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, garlic, seasonings nutritional yeast, and eggs. Mix well to combine. When the broccoli is cool enough to handle, chop the florets into small pieces, about the size of a pea, and transfer the chopped broccoli to the large mixing bowl. Use a rubber spatula to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
Test the mixture; you should be able to squeeze a small portion and see that it holds together strongly. If this is not the case, add a little water or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds together when squeezed.
Using a spring-loaded 2 tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, dish the broccoli mixture onto the prepared sheet pan. It should make about 24 tots. If you're so inclined and you want them to be pretty, you can wet hands slightly, pick up each portion and form it into a tot shape, pressing the mixture firmly so it holds together.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the bottom. Remove from oven. Enjoy!
If you're patient you can definitely cook these in an air fryer, too, but be sure they are in one layer so they get nicely browned. You can also reheat them in the air fryer.