Delicious Sautéed Broccolini with Garlic and Lemon.
Recently I have been sharing simple suggestions for serving vegetables to kids. It is one of the questions I get asked most and I can understand why. We all want our kids to eat the recommended amount of vegetables a day but it isn't always easy.
Vegetables are often rejected by young children and it can take 10-20 tries before a child will accept them. I believe in patience over pressure and that continually offering, previously rejected vegetables, without forcing them to eat them, will pay off in the long run.
Roasted vegetables are always a winner with my kids and it is probably one of their favourite ways to enjoy most vegetables. Sautéing is another popular cooking method. They love sautéed broccolini but also love many other vegetables such as asparagus, green beans and snow peas cooked this way. Adding olive oil, garlic and a little salt and pepper really does make a big difference with my kids.
What is Broccolini?
Broccolini is a hybrid vegetable; it's a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It has small florets, long stalks, and a few small leaves — all of which are edible.
It can be sautéed, steamed, roasted, or grilled. Some people also enjoy eating it raw.
How to Select and Store Broccolini
Choose crisp, bright green stalks that have no soft spots. If the florets are starting to yellow and the stems are starting to soften then they are past their best. Brocollini should be stored in the refrigerator and be washed before preparation, rather than before storing.
Cooking Broccolini Ahead of Time
As busy parents, we are always looking to make mealtimes less stressful. Preparing meals in the evening, when often our young kids are tired and grumpy,(and we are too!), isn't always the most pleasant of experiences. Although broccolini is really quick to cook, taking only a few minutes, I often prep it ahead of time and that way I have fewer pans to use and just one less step in preparing the family meal.
To prepare the broccolini ahead of time, cook the broccolini in boiling water for 2 mins and then transfer immediately to a bowl of ice water. Then dry, cover and refrigerate until needed. I often do this and use it over the next 2-3 days.
Is Sautéed Broccolini really "kid friendly"?
Broccolini, I feel, is less bitter than broccoli and is more mild, with a somewhat sweeter taste. This, I think, makes it more acceptable to kids.
It does have a long stem and although it is edible it can be a little tough for younger kids to get through. My youngest, 3, has only just started to eat the stalks now.
I found broccolini a great vegetable for baby-led weaning. It is really easy to hold and they can gnaw away on the stem.
Looking for other delicious ways to serve vegetables? Why not try my
Roasted Cauliflower with Mango Dip
Have you tried this recipe? I'd love to know your thoughts. Please rate and leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram or Facebook.
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Sautéed Broccolini Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bunch (approx 200g) Broccolini
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil SEE NOTE 1
- ½ Lemon (zest and lemon juice)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
Instructions
- Cook the broccolini in a large pan of boiling water for 2 mins.
- Drain immediately and add to a bowl of ice water. (SEE NOTE 2)
- Add the oil to a large frying pan and heat over a medium setting. Add the garlic and lemon zest and stir.
- Drain the broccolini and then add to the pan. Toss to coat in the oil mixture and cook for around 2 minutes. Squeeze the lemon juice over the broccolini and toss. Season and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- You can replace the olive oil with butter if you prefer.
- You can prep ahead to this stage. Emerge in the ice water and then drain, dry, cover and store in the refrigerator until needed. I often store for 2-3 days.
Deborah
I made this with Vietnamese caramel chicken and it was great! My first time trying tenderstem broccoli (usually go for normal broccoli) and I wasn’t disappointed. I’m going to look into other ways to cook this. Thanks!
Amy
Thanks Deborah, I love the sound or the Vietnamese caramel chicken too!
Sky Andropoulos
I already make something similar to this, but I make a compound butter to top the broccolini after it is cooked.
Compound butter ingredients: 1 stick softened unsalted butter, sea salt, fresh ground black pepper (just a little, since the broccolini is peppery), fresh lemon juice, lemon peel, and 2 cloves crushed garlic (Yes I use a garlic press), then combine them in a bowl stir together and place contents onto either a sheet of wax or parchment paper, roll and form into a log shape and twist the ends, alternatively you could use a butter mold if you have one, refrigerate until firm, then you just slice off a bit and put it on top of the cooked broccolini while it is still warm.
You're Welcome
Amy
Sounds delicious!
Bernadette Hanly
Delicious Amy! Quick and simple. My three year old daughter loved these. Thanks for a great recipe!
Amy
Thanks Bernadette 🙂
Rose Smith
Such an easy & healthy dish,and too pretty to eat!I like your photography as well, Thanks for sharing!!!
Amy
Thank you so much Rose 🙂