Broccolini Recipes: The Ultimate Guide to Cooking This Delicious Veggie

Let's face it, broccolini has a bit of a reputation, doesn't it? Some people find it a bit too "earthy," while others are downright terrified of the florets. But trust me, this little veggie is a superstar waiting to be discovered. It's got a subtly sweet flavour, a satisfying crunch, and it's packed with nutrients. And, if you've ever been a bit dubious about broccoli, broccolini is a gateway veggie, a delicious stepping stone to green-loving glory.

Over the years, broccolini has become a firm favourite in my kitchen. It's so versatile – from simple stir-fries to gourmet salads, it's always a winner. And let's be honest, it's a real looker too! Those tiny florets with the cute little stalks make it look like a mini-broccoli tree, which, let's face it, is pretty darn adorable.

This guide is a celebration of all things broccolini. We'll explore different ways to prepare it, from simple roasting and stir-frying to more elaborate pasta dishes and even a delicious soup. It's all about showing you just how brilliant broccolini can be. You'll be convinced, I promise!

(Part 1) All About Broccolini

What is Broccolini?

Broccolini is a hybrid vegetable, a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale, which gives it the best of both worlds. It's a smaller, more delicate cousin of broccoli, with thin stalks and long, slender florets. It’s got a flavour that’s milder than broccoli, with a hint of sweetness and a delightful crunch. Unlike its sturdier relative, the florets are tender enough to eat without needing to be chopped up into smaller pieces.

The Nutritional Benefits of Broccolini

Broccolini is a real nutritional powerhouse. It’s packed with vitamin C, which is a key player in boosting your immune system and protecting your cells from damage. Vitamin K is another star player in broccolini, essential for strong bones and blood clotting. It’s also a good source of folate, a vital nutrient that helps with cell growth and division, especially important during pregnancy. And let's not forget the fibre, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. It's also rich in antioxidants, which help fight those pesky free radicals that can damage cells.

Choosing and Storing Broccolini

When choosing broccolini, look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed florets. Avoid any with yellowing or wilted stems. These signs indicate that the broccolini might be past its prime. Store your broccolini in the crisper drawer of your fridge, wrapped in a damp paper towel, to keep it fresh for up to 5 days. The paper towel helps to maintain moisture and prevent wilting. You can also blanch and freeze broccolini for later use, which is a great way to preserve its freshness. Simply blanch it for a couple of minutes in boiling water, then plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process. After draining, freeze the broccolini in a freezer bag.

(Part 2) Simple Broccolini Recipes

The Classic Roasting Method

This is the simplest and perhaps most universally loved way to cook broccolini. It brings out the natural sweetness and creates a slightly caramelised flavour that’s absolutely divine. Here's how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Trim the tough ends off the broccolini stalks and cut them into bite-sized pieces. If you’re feeling fancy, you can leave the stalks whole and simply trim the very bottom ends.
3. Toss the pieces with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other herbs you like. I love adding a bit of garlic for a little extra flavour kick. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
4. Spread the broccolini in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, until tender and slightly browned. If you like, you can toss the broccolini halfway through roasting to ensure even cooking.

You can serve roasted broccolini as a side dish or use it in salads, pasta dishes, or even as a topping for pizza.

Quick and Easy Stir-fry

This is perfect for a midweek meal when you’re short on time. You can whip up a stir-fry in under 15 minutes and it's a real crowd-pleaser.

1. Heat a little oil in a wok or large frying pan over a medium heat.
2. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and chilli (if you like a bit of spice) and stir-fry for a minute or two, until fragrant.
3. Add the broccolini, cut into bite-sized pieces, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until tender-crisp.
4. Season with salt and pepper and add any other flavourings you like, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, or hoisin sauce. A splash of rice vinegar adds a lovely acidity.

Serve your stir-fried broccolini with rice, noodles, or even just a dollop of yoghurt for a lighter meal.

One-Pan Broccolini and Salmon

This is a real favourite of mine. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Here's what you need:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Place a piece of salmon on a baking sheet and season with salt, pepper, and a little lemon juice. You can also add a sprinkle of herbs like dill or thyme for a more aromatic dish.
3. Arrange the broccolini around the salmon and drizzle with a little olive oil.
4. Roast for 15-20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the broccolini is tender. The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the broccolini should have a slight char.

You can add other vegetables, like cherry tomatoes or sliced red onions, to your one-pan meal. It's a great way to get your daily dose of veggies and it's so easy to clean up afterwards!

(Part 3) Broccolini in Soups and Stews

Creamy broccolini soup

Broccolini’s subtle flavour makes it a perfect ingredient for creamy soups. It adds a delicious depth of flavour and a touch of texture that’s just heavenly. Here's a simple recipe to try:

1. Start by sautéing onion and garlic in a pot with a little olive oil until softened. Add a pinch of salt to help them sweat and release their flavour.
2. Add the broccolini, cut into smaller pieces, and cook for a few minutes. You don’t want to overcook the broccolini at this stage, just soften it slightly.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until the broccolini is tender. The broccolini should be soft but still retain a bit of its vibrant green colour.
5. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth. If using a regular blender, be careful not to overfill it, and blend in batches to avoid splattering.
6. Stir in some heavy cream or milk and season with salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

This soup is incredibly comforting and perfect for a chilly evening. You can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a little extra flavour.

Broccolini and Sausage Stew

If you're looking for a hearty and satisfying stew, look no further. The broccolini adds a fresh flavour and a vibrant green colour that’s sure to please the eyes.

1. Brown sausage in a large pot over medium heat. Use any type of sausage you like, but italian sausage is a classic choice.
2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened. You can also add a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the stew at this stage.
3. Pour in your favourite broth and add diced potatoes and broccolini. A good quality broth makes a big difference in the flavour of the stew.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. You can adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your potato chunks.

This stew is a real comfort food, perfect for a cold winter day. You can serve it with crusty bread or a dollop of mashed potatoes.

(Part 4) Broccolini in Salads and Pasta Dishes

Broccolini and quinoa salad

This salad is a delicious and healthy option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The quinoa provides a good source of protein and the broccolini adds a satisfying crunch. Here’s how to make it:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Quinoa cooks quickly and is a good source of protein, making it a great base for a salad.
2. Roast broccolini with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender. This will give the broccolini a slightly caramelized flavour and a delightful crunch.
3. Combine the quinoa, roasted broccolini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese in a bowl. Feel free to customize the ingredients to your liking. You can add chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, or other fresh herbs.
4. Toss with a lemon vinaigrette dressing and serve. For a simple vinaigrette, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

You can add other ingredients to your salad, like toasted almonds, dried cranberries, or a handful of spinach.

Broccolini and Pesto Pasta

Pesto and broccolini are a match made in heaven! It’s a simple and delicious pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy meal. Here’s how to make it:

1. Cook your favourite pasta according to package instructions. Use any type of pasta you like, but I find that shorter pasta shapes, like penne or fusilli, work well with this dish.
2. While the pasta is cooking, sauté the broccolini in a little olive oil with some garlic and red pepper flakes. The garlic and red pepper flakes add a nice depth of flavour to the dish.
3. Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the broccolini. Be sure to reserve some of the pasta water to help thicken the sauce.
4. Toss with pesto sauce and serve immediately. The heat of the pasta will help to melt the pesto and create a creamy sauce.

You can use any type of pesto you like – basil pesto, walnut pesto, or even sun-dried tomato pesto.

(Part 5) Broccolini with Asian Flavours

Broccolini with Sesame Ginger Glaze

This is a super simple and flavourful dish that's perfect for a side dish or a vegetarian main course. Here’s how to make it:

1. Steam or blanch the broccolini until tender-crisp. Steaming helps to retain the broccolini's vibrant green colour and delicate texture.
2. While the broccolini is steaming, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl. This glaze is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavours.
3. Toss the steamed broccolini with the glaze and serve immediately. The heat of the broccolini will help to melt the glaze and create a delicious coating.

You can sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for extra flavour and texture.

Broccolini and Peanut Stir-fry

This is a classic Asian stir-fry that’s packed with flavour and textures. Here's what you need:

1. Heat a little oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and chilli (if you like a bit of spice) and stir-fry for a minute or two, until fragrant.
3. Add the broccolini, cut into bite-sized pieces, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until tender-crisp.
4. Add a tablespoon of peanut butter and a tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir until the peanut butter is melted and the sauce coats the broccolini. You can add a little water to help thin out the sauce if needed.

Serve your stir-fry with rice or noodles. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to your stir-fry.

(Part 6) Broccolini with a Mediterranean Twist

Broccolini with Lemon and Parmesan

This is a simple yet elegant side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make it:

1. Roast the broccolini with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender. This simple roasting method allows the broccolini’s natural flavours to shine.
2. While the broccolini is roasting, zest and juice a lemon. The lemon zest adds a bright citrus aroma, while the juice adds a tangy flavour.
3. Once the broccolini is roasted, toss it with the lemon zest and juice. Be sure to toss gently to avoid breaking the broccolini.
4. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and serve. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavour that complements the lemon and broccolini perfectly.

You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Broccolini and chickpea salad

This salad is a delicious and protein-packed option that's perfect for lunch or dinner. Here’s how to make it:

1. Roast the broccolini with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender. The roasting process brings out the broccolini’s sweetness and creates a delightful crunch.
2. While the broccolini is roasting, drain and rinse a can of chickpeas. Chickpeas add a hearty texture and protein to the salad.
3. Combine the roasted broccolini, chickpeas, chopped red onion, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese in a bowl. You can adjust the ingredients to your preference. Add some chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a handful of chopped fresh parsley for extra flavour.
4. Toss with a lemon vinaigrette dressing and serve. For a simple vinaigrette, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

You can add other ingredients to your salad, like chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a handful of chopped fresh parsley.

(Part 7) Broccolini in Beyond-Basic Recipes

Broccolini and Ricotta Tart

This tart is a real showstopper, with a delicate pastry crust, a creamy ricotta filling, and a delightful topping of roasted broccolini. It's a fantastic vegetarian main course or a delicious side dish.

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Roll out your pastry dough and line a tart tin. Use a good quality pastry dough, or make your own from scratch.
3. Mix the ricotta cheese with eggs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms a creamy and flavorful filling.
4. Pour the ricotta mixture into the tart shell. Spread it evenly to ensure even cooking.
5. Arrange the roasted broccolini on top of the ricotta mixture. The roasted broccolini adds a touch of sweetness and crunch to the tart.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the centre.

Serve warm with a simple green salad.

Broccolini and potato fritters

These fritters are a fun and delicious way to use up broccolini. They’re perfect as a starter or a side dish.

1. Grate the potatoes and broccolini into a bowl. Use a box grater to get fine shreds of potato and broccolini.
2. Add flour, eggs, salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. You can add herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavour.
3. Heat a little oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Use a neutral oil, like vegetable oil or canola oil.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the fritter mixture into the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. The fritters should be cooked through and have a crispy exterior.

Serve your fritters with a dollop of sour cream or aioli.

(Part 8) FAQs

What does broccolini taste like?

Broccolini has a delicate, slightly sweet flavour that's milder than broccoli. It's got a pleasant crunch and a hint of earthiness that makes it so versatile. It's a great option for people who enjoy broccoli but find it a bit too strong.

Is broccolini good for you?

Absolutely! Broccolini is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It's a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, which are all essential for a healthy body. It's also a good source of fibre, which helps with digestion. Broccolini is a low-calorie food that is rich in nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any diet.

How do I cook broccolini?

Broccolini can be cooked in many different ways. You can roast it, stir-fry it, steam it, or even grill it. It's a very versatile vegetable that can be used in salads, soups, stews, and pasta dishes. Broccolini can also be blanched and frozen for later use, which is a great way to have this nutritious veggie on hand whenever you need it.

How long does it take to cook broccolini?

The cooking time for broccolini will depend on the method you're using. Roasting typically takes around 10-12 minutes, while stir-frying takes about 3-4 minutes. Steaming is even quicker, taking only about 5 minutes. Overcooking broccolini can make it mushy, so it’s best to cook it until it's tender-crisp, meaning it should still have a slight bite.

How do I store broccolini?

Store broccolini in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. The damp paper towel helps to keep the broccolini hydrated and prevent it from wilting. You can also blanch and freeze broccolini for later use. Blanching helps to preserve the broccolini's colour, texture, and nutrients.

(Part 9) Creative Broccolini Inspiration

Broccolini "Fries"

Give your broccolini a fun twist by turning it into fries. Cut the broccolini into long, thin strips, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then bake them until crispy. You can serve them with a dipping sauce, like aioli or a spicy ketchup. This is a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables and it’s a fun and healthy snack.

Broccolini Pizza

Forget pepperoni, broccolini is the new pizza topping! Roast the broccolini until tender and then arrange it on top of your pizza dough before adding cheese and your other favourite toppings. Broccolini adds a nice textural contrast to the pizza and its slightly sweet flavour complements the cheese and tomato sauce.

broccolini salad with Roasted Grapes

This salad is a delightful combination of sweet and savoury. Roast grapes with a little olive oil and sugar until they’re caramelized, and then combine them with broccolini, toasted almonds, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The sweetness of the roasted grapes contrasts beautifully with the slightly bitter notes of the broccolini and the almonds add a crunchy texture.

Broccolini and chickpea curry

Broccolini adds a refreshing crunch and a vibrant green colour to this delicious curry. Combine chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, spices, and a little coconut milk, and then add the broccolini towards the end of cooking. Serve with basmati rice and a dollop of yoghurt. The broccolini adds a fresh and vibrant element to the rich and creamy curry.

Broccolini and Shrimp Skewers

These skewers are a delicious and healthy meal or appetizer. Thread shrimp and broccolini onto skewers and then grill or bake them until the shrimp is cooked through and the broccolini is tender. This is a simple and elegant dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a light dinner.

(Part 10) Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has inspired you to explore the world of broccolini and to discover its versatility and deliciousness. This little veggie is a real crowd-pleaser and it's easy to prepare, so don’t be afraid to experiment! So, get creative in the kitchen and let broccolini become your new favourite vegetable.