Get ready to transform an ordinary vegetable into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance! This vibrant and zesty Italian-inspired dish takes humble broccoli and elevates it to gourmet status with a tantalizing combination of briny black olives, aromatic garlic, and bright lemon. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a side dish so delicious, it might just steal the spotlight from your main course and have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Cut them into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
- Next, slice the black olives into rings. Set aside.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely. Make sure to have the garlic ready before cooking, as it can burn quickly.
- Juice the lemon, ensuring you remove any seeds. You can also zest the lemon for added flavor if desired.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process and preserve the vibrant color. Let them sit for a couple of minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Add the sliced black olives to the skillet and stir them into the garlic oil. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Next, add the blanched broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat the broccoli in the garlic and olive oil mixture.
- Pour the lemon juice over the broccoli and olives, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. You can adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more lemon juice or salt as desired.
- Serve the broccoli with black olives, garlic, and lemon warm as a side dish or over a bed of grains for a light main course. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Blanching is Key: The ice water bath after boiling ensures your broccoli stays crisp and retains its beautiful green color. Don't skip this step!
- Garlic Management: Watch your garlic carefully when sautéing. It can quickly go from fragrant to bitter if burnt, so keep it moving in the pan.
- Olive Selection Matters: Use high-quality, briny black olives for the most authentic Mediterranean flavor. Kalamata olives work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Lemon Love: For an extra flavor punch, consider adding some lemon zest along with the juice. It will intensify the citrusy notes.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for heat or sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for additional richness.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or can be served over quinoa or rice for a complete vegetarian meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
