Roasted Broccolini with Garlic

Roasted Broccolini with Garlic

I kept dinner simple, vegetarian, and healthy tonight. With that being said, this dish is usually considered a side dish but if done properly, it's perfect as a main dish for dinner! 

I love experimenting with different greens and vegetables, and this was my first time using broccolini! Broccolini is essentially just baby broccoli, and I favor the texture, look, and versatility of broccolini over broccoli. This was also my first time using sesame oil when it comes to roasting. I typically stick to good old olive oil, but gave Ziyad Brand's sesame oil a try and LOVED IT! It gave the broccolini a nutty, subtle flavor that I loved.

Boiled Broccolini 

With just a few ingredients, this dish comes together easily and beautifully. If you give it a try, let me know!

ROASTED BROCCOLINI WITH GARLIC

INGREDIENTS:

- 3 bunches of broccolini

- Ziyad Brand Sesame Oil

- 6 cloves of garlic, sliced

- pepper

- onion powder

- garlic powder

- paprika

- freshly grated parmesan cheese

- lemon

TO MAKE:
1. Cut the lower stems of the broccolini. 

2. Bring a full pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Once the water starts boiling, add the broccolini. 

3. Bring the water back to a boil as the broccolini cooks. Let it boil rapidly for 3 minutes.

4. In the meantime, prepare an ice bath (basically a big bowl of cold water filled with some cubes of ice. 

5. After 3 minutes, remove the broccolini and immediately immerse them in the ice bath. This stops the broccolini from cooking further. At this point, the broccolini should be crisp and look a beautiful green color.

6. Drain the broccolini after a few minutes in a colander and set aside.

7. In the meantime, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.

8. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add some more sesame oil and add the garlic. Cook the garlic until they brown slightly.

9. Brush some sesame oil all over the foiled baking sheet. Add the broccolini and spread them out into an even layer. Drizzle with some more sesame oil and the spices, and toss to mix well and to make sure the broccolini are evenly coated with oil and spices. 

10. Add the garlic all over the broccolini. Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the broccolini and garlic roast for just a few minutes until the garlic turns a darker brown and the broccolini look somewhat roasted. 

11. Remove the sheet from the oven and add the grated parmesan all over the broccolini. Return to the oven and roast until the cheese just starts to melt.

12. Remove from oven and squeeze the juice of half a lemon all over the the broccolini and garlic. Serve warm and enjoy!