Paleo diet

BACON-BROCCOLI BITES

These Paleo broccoli “bites” remind me a little bit of tater tots, except that instead of molding them into a tot shape, you simply drop them by the spoonful into a mini-muffin tin. I like them on their own as a snack, but if you’ve made them ahead of time, they also make a great breakfast on a busy morning. It’s such an easy way to get extra veggies into your diet. SERVES 4

PREP TIME: 15 minutes

COOK TIME: 30 minutes

1 large head broccoli, cut into florets

1 onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

3 eggs, whisked

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Coconut oil, for greasing

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets, and cook for 5 minutes. Drain really well, and allow them to cool slightly.
  3. In a food processor or blender, pulse the broccoli, onion, and garlic until pretty finely chopped, but stop before it turns into a purée. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl, and stir to combine with the bacon and eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Grease a mini-muffin tin with a paper towel dipped in coconut oil. Spoon the broccoli mixture into each muffin cup. If there’s any leftover egg at the bottom of your bowl, pour it over the broccoli bites. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until set, and serve.

VARIATION 1 BACON-BROCCOLI DROPS WITH RANCH: Serve with a side of Ranch Dressing (here) as an appetizer.

VARIATION 2 OLIVE-BROCCOLI DROPS: For a vegetarian version, swap the bacon for ½ cup chopped Kalamata olives.

PREP TIP: Make these ahead of time and freeze. Defrost a few for breakfast or as appetizers when you’re planning to entertain.