Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Sesame and Lemon Butter

Serves 4, as a starter

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  700g (1½ lb) purple sprouting broccoli
  
  
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  20g (¾ oz) sesame seeds
  
  
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  75g (3oz) butter, softened
  
  
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  Juice of 1 lemon
  
  
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  1 small French stick
  
  
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  Salt and pepper

Preheat the oven 180°C (350°F, Gas 4). Roast the sesame seeds in the oven for about 10 minutes until golden brown, then cool. To make the flavoured butter, place the lemon juice, butter and cooled sesame seeds with a little salt and pepper into a food processor until well blended. Cut the bread into four slices and put into the oven until crisp. Cook the broccoli until just tender. To serve, arrange a slice of bread on a warmed plate then place some broccoli on top of the bread and finally spoon a dollop of the flavoured butter over the broccoli so that it drips on to the bread as it melts. Serve straight away.