Mediterranean Broccoli in a Rose Sauce with Fine Herbs

This is a great side dish! The recipe is taken from "The $10.00 Gourmet" by Ken Kostick. I would suggest to drain the tomatoes as the juices made the dish too watery, and when I added the cream (I used half and half) a rose sauce wasn't made.

3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
1 large onion, chopped
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
One 28oz (796 ml) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup vegetable stock
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 cup light cream or whipping cream
Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)


1. Heat the oil in a large pot and sauté the garlic and all of the vegetables for 5-6 minutes.
2. Add all of the remaining ingredients, except the cream. Bring to a boil the reduce the heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cream, mix well to a creamy texture, and serve. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, if desired.