This vegan and gluten-free recipe for Easy Garlicky Sauteed Broccolini is a simple, no-fuss side dish that is also healthy and delicious. This broccolini recipe is the best way to cook this vegetable in less than fifteen minutes.
According to Kermit, it may not be easy being green, but it truly is so simple to make this recipe. The truth is that I called this a broccolini recipe, but in reality, it’s more of a procedure. Let me explain…
It all begins by trimming the bottom third of the ends of this beautiful vegetable. When buying broccolini, look for stalks that are bright green, and make sure the bulbs are tightly closed.
If you have stalks that are slightly thicker, cut them in half or even in quarters (if really thick). Unlike broccoli, there is no need to peel the stalk. Just give them a quick rinse and they are ready for the next step.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccolini and once the water returns to a boil, cook for about 2 minutes or until tender but still crispy. Drain and set aside.
Over medium heat, drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add the slivered garlic and saute for about a minute or so. If using, add red chili flakes, and saute for another minute.
Finally, add the broccolini and saute for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and you are done! If you like, just before serving, you can sprinkle some roasted pine nuts (or almond slivers) and squeeze a little lemon juice over your broccolini.
Did you know that broccolini, also known as broccolette, is a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale? This hybrid vegetable was actually created in the early ’90s. It tastes a little sweet and so when paired with lemon juice and garlic, there is a whole lot of flavor sensation. As far as nutrition is concerned, it is an excellent source of Vitamin A and C, and numerous other antioxidants and phytochemicals. Definitely a good guy.
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Recipe inspiration
Vegetables – love ’em or hate ’em, there is no denying that they are good for you. There never seemed to be a shortage of green vegetables when I was younger. Whether it was Italian Style Garlicky Broccoli Rabe or Sauteed Garlic Swiss Chard, vegetables were always the star.
Looking back, it seems to me that my mom’s favorite way to prepare vegetables was a quick boil, followed by a quick stir fry. Of course, garlic was the common denominator – you can never go wrong with a little bit of garlic!
This recipe was inspired by my mom’s boil & stir fry with garlic method for preparing veggies. It is always a hit at my home – and it always feels so nostalgic, too!
So the next time you bump into these greens in the produce section and are looking for a quick and tasty side dish, you have to try this garlic broccolini recipe.
Enjoy!
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community, where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.
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Ciao for now,
Maria
★★★★★ If you have made the best broccolini recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!
Sauteed Broccolini
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds of broccolini 3-4 bunches
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced or thinly sliced
- pinch red chili flakes optional
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons roasted pine nuts or almond slivers optional
- freshly squeezed lemon juice for drizzling I use about 1/4 of a lemon
Instructions
- Trim the ends of the broccolini.
- Wash broccolini properly.
- Cook broccolini in a large pot of salted boiling water until tender (calculate about 2-3 minutes after the water returns to a boil).
- Transfer to a colander and drain. Set aside.
- Over medium heat, drizzle olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan.
- Sauté garlic and chili flakes for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the broccolini and saute for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle with pine nuts or almond slivers (if using).
- Place on serving dish and drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Notes
Nutrition
Wanda
Trying to incorporate more fresh vegetables in my diet and this recipe will definitely be a keeper! Very easy to make and so flavorful. Plus it makes a lovely presentation for dinner. All around winner!
Maria
Thanks so much Wanda! So thrilled to read this!
Louise Samson
Fabulous way to eat this vegetable.
Fresh, fast, easy, delicious.
Thank you, Maria!
Maria
My pleasure Louise, thank you!
Leslie-Anne
I adore broccolini and rapini and make it this very same way! It’s so crisp and fresh as a side-dish.
Maria
It really is a great side! Thanks so much for stopping by ♥♥♥
Laura
Looks and sounds delicious and such a gorgeous bright green colour! Love the lots of garlic and chili!
Maria
Can’t go wrong with garlic and chili! Appreciate your comment, thanks for stopping by ♥♥♥
Ann
Can you believe I’ve never made broccolini? I love broccoli and always see broccolini at the grocery store, but I guess I wasn’t sure what to do with it. Now I know! Love this simple preparation 🙂
Maria
I think you are going to love it! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
Barbarito-Levitt Paula
This was always the family go to preparation for green vegetables, minus the pine nuts which I am certain add something special. Often the simplest preparations are the absolute best!
Maria
You are so right Paula. Recipes don’t have to be complicated to be good. A few quality ingredients is all you need. As far as the pine nuts are concerned, well, I just love them. Thanks for dropping by 🙂
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
Oh Maria, broccoletti (that’s how my family and I in Italy we call them) are possibly my favorite green, together with cicoria! And that is exactly how we make them as a side dish (or to add to pasta, or pizza 😉 ). Simple and oh so flavorful! Beautiful!
Maria
Thanks Nicoletta! Yes, it is also one of our favorite veggies. So easy to make and really so flavorful. Thanks for dropping by 🙂
Jovina Coughlin
One of my favorites
Maria
Me too Jovina! It’s one of my go-to sides when I am pressed for time. Thanks so much for dropping by 🙂