Lemony, light, and oil-free, this easy lemon-garlic broccolini recipe is a nice introduction to this under-used relative of broccoli. And it’s on the table in minutes! It’s a fantastic addition to pastas and grain dishes.
Broccolini has a slight chestnut flavor that adds depth to this recipe. It’s a great choice for a quick side dish when you need more green on your plate. and a gift to garlic lovers.
What is broccolini?
Sometimes broccolini is referred to as baby broccoli, but one thing it’s not is immature broccoli. Broccolini is in the brassica family, along with regular broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbages.
It somewhat resembles broccoli rabe, but isn’t related to that slightly bitter green that’s in the turnip family. You’ll see that this recipe offers the option of using broccoli rabe, though the resulting flavor will be different.
It’s actually a cross breed between broccoli and Chinese broccoli. If you’ve ever ordered Pad See Ew in Thai restaurants, chances are you’ve had Chinese broccoli.
Broccolini has a pretty even ratio of stem and florets, but the way in which it differs from regular broccoli is that the stems are tender — no need to peel or fuss in any way.
So it’s really easy to prep — you don’t even need to chop it, as part of its visual charm is using it whole. Just make sure not to cook it beyond tender-crisp, to retain its lovely texture and color. Learn more about broccolini.
Recipe and photos from Bravo Express! No Sugar, Oil, or Salt by Chef Ramses Bravo ©2019 Book Publishing Company, reprinted by permission.
Lemon-Garlic Broccolini
Lemony, light, and oil-free, this easy and quick broccolini side dish is a great introduction to this under-used relative of broccoli.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sliced garlic
- 1 pound broccolini (or broccoli rabe)
- 1⁄4 cup no-salt-added vegetable broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (scallion)
Instructions
- Dry-sauté the garlic in a medium sauté pan over medium heat for 1 minute.
- Add the broccolini and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
- Add the broth and lemon zest and juice, cover, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with the green onions. Serve hot.
MORE ABOUT CHEF RAMSES BRAVO
Ramses Bravo has guided hundreds of guests at TrueNorth Health Center toward better health by transforming their eating habits. Now home cooks can enjoy his tempting plant-based dishes with these simplified recipes that anyone can prepare, regardless of time constraints or cooking expertise.
His secret? Remove the three most addictive, pervasive, and damaging ingredients in modern diets—sugar, oil, and salt—and use herbs, spices, and creative culinary combinations to enhance fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
The results? Improved weight management, lower blood pressure, reduced mood swings, increased energy, and better control over type 2 diabetes.
Bravo Express! No Sugar, Oil, or Salt is available on wherever books are sold
The recipes in Bravo Express! deliver on the promise of appeal and satisfaction. Included are tips from the chef for how to bring out the best in foods without having to sweeten, salt, or fry.
Add a wow factor to your dishes by learning how to brown vegetables without fat, make silky dressings and sauces without oil, and use fruits and nuts to create spectacular desserts.
The section on cooking fundamentals will help make food prep a snap, and with two weeks of sample menus, it will be easy to plan what’s for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Ramses Bravo has been the executive chef at TrueNorth Health Center in Santa Rosa, California, since 2007. His recipes feature simple foods with bold flavors that serve as the foundation of dietary rebirth for people who want to transform their health. Visit ChefRamses.com.
See lots more fresh plant-based salads & sides.
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