Sautéed Broccolini (Broccoletti) is a nutrient-rich, tender version of broccoli that goes well with just about everything and takes only 10 minutes to make. To make this vegan side, simply cook the broccolini in olive oil and toss with garlic, red chili flakes, and lemon juice for extra flavor.
Prepare the broccolini - Trim a half-inch off the bottom of the broccolini stems.
1 bunch broccolini
Prepare garlic - Use the side of your knife to slightly crush the whole garlic cloves. Crushing the garlic releases the garlic oil into the cooking oil. Leaving the garlic whole prevents the clove from burning.
2 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoon olive oil
Cook garlic and broccolini - Add oil and garlic cloves to a skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add broccolini and sauté for 5 minutes, turning the broccolini over with tongs halfway through. The broccolini will turn bright green and some of the florets become charred.
1 bunch broccolini, 2 cloves garlic
Season and steam - Use tongs to remove the garlic. Toss broccolini with salt and optional black pepper or red pepper flakes. Add the water, cover with a lid, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
½ teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon water
Serve - Serve immediately with lemon wedges and top with Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired.
lemon wedges, Parmigiano Reggiano
Notes
Storage
Store leftover garlic broccolini in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Broccolini doesn't stand up well to freezing. To reheat leftovers in the oven, heat oven to 350 degrees F and place the broccolini on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
To heat the broccolini on the stovetop, add a drizzle of olive oil to a skillet on low-medium heat. Place the broccolini in a single layer in the skillet and cook until warm, or about 3-5 minutes.
Top Tips
Cook in a single layer - Cook broccolini in a single layer on the pan so the vegetables cook evenly and do not get soggy.
Seasonwell - Generously season broccoletti with olive oil, kosher or sea salt, pepper, and red pepper. This recipe is very versatile and flexible, so you can season with your favorite spices too!