This healthy side dish is an easy and delicious way to eat your veggies and its ready in 15 minutes.
Broccolini is one of those designer vegetables. Kinda like the designer breed dogs, like all those “oodles” you see everywhere these days.
Developed in the ‘90s, broccolini is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli – which is also known as Chinese Kale. Broccolini has a milder flavor and is less bitter than traditional broccoli. And it tastes mildly sweet like it’s Chinese broccoli parent.
Broccolini has a thin, tender, and tall stalk, sweet little leaves and smaller florets on the end. And all of it’s edible. Plus, it’s a pretty vegetable that’s perfect to eat with your fingers.
Full of vitamins A and C, it is also high in fiber and potassium. It’s a healthy choice that becomes even more flavorful, mild, and sweet when lightly cooked.
HOW TO BUY BROCCOLINI
- Look for slender stems that are not dried out on the end, not withered and wrinkly, and have no brown spots.
- The florets should be tight with no flowers.
- Rinse the broccolini, allow to dry, and store in a plastic ziplock bag in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3 or 4 days.
EQUIPMENT USED IN THIS RECIPE
- Cuisinart French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless 12-Inch French Skillet with Helper Handle – You’ll feel like a real 5-star chef with this skillet.
- J.A Henckels International Classic Starter Knife Set, 3-Piece – good knives make food prep easier…and safer.
- Extra Thick Flexible Plastic Kitchen Cutting Board Mats Set, Set of 6 Colored Mats With Food Icons & Easy-Grip Handles, Non-Porous, Dishwasher – different colors for different foods. No more onion flavored fruit. It’ a good thing.
Looking for a few more easy vegetable recipes? Here are a few suggestions:
- Marmalade Rum Glazed Carrots
- Sauteed Haricots Verts
- Maple Miso Glazed Brussels Sprouts
- Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
- Mexican Grilled Corn
- Easy Sugar Snap Peas
- Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
- Sweet and Sour Braised Red Cabbage
EASY SAUTEED GARLIC BROCCOLINI
This healthy side dish recipe takes less than 15 minutes and is a delicious, garlicky way to eat your veggies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Saute
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Water for steaming
1 tablespoon salt
3 – 4 bunches fresh broccolini
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ fresh lemon
Instructions
In a deep skillet with high sides, add enough water into the bottom to come up the sides about an inch. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a full rolling boil.
Trim the ends of the broccolini. You can leave the small leaves on the stalks. They are delicious.
Add the broccolini to the boiling water and cook until just tender – about 2 minutes. Don’t overcook it!
Drain the broccolini and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Saute the garlic until fragrant – about 2 minutes.
Add the broccolini and toss to coat the vegetable with the garlic butter. Saute for 2 minutes.
Season the broccolini with the salt and pepper.
Remove the broccolini to a serving platter and squeeze the lemon over it.
Serve warm.
Keywords: vegetable recipes, side dish recipes, easy vegetable recipes, broccolini recipes