Broccolini Recipe

Broccolini, a slender and elegant vegetable cousin of broccoli, is a versatile addition to any culinary repertoire. Its tender stems and delicate florets offer a milder, sweeter flavor than traditional broccoli, making it a favorite in both simple weeknight dinners and elaborate gourmet meals. Here are some delightful broccolini recipes to inspire your next kitchen adventure.

1. Broccolini with Garlic and Lemon

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of broccolini, trimmed
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch Broccolini: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccolini and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Combine Flavors: Add blanched broccolini to the skillet. Toss to coat with garlic-infused oil. Add lemon zest and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve: Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional lemon zest if desired. Serve warm.

2. Grilled Broccolini with Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of broccolini, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Broccolini: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Toss broccolini with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill Broccolini: Grill broccolini for 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly charred and tender-crisp.
3. Finish: Remove from grill and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese while still hot. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright finish.

3. Broccolini Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of broccolini, trimmed and chopped
• 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté Broccolini: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add broccolini and cherry tomatoes, cooking until broccolini is tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Combine Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet with broccolini and tomatoes. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
4. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Whether you prefer broccolini as a simple side dish, grilled with a touch of Parmesan, or tossed with pasta for a satisfying main course, these recipes showcase the versatility and vibrant flavors of this beloved vegetable. Enjoy experimenting with these broccolini recipes to add a fresh twist to your meals!