Sicilian Broccoli Recipes

SICILIAN-STYLE BROCCOLI RABE

Steps:

• Cut thick, lower stems off broccoli rabe and peel. Reserve florets and leaves.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes; saute until fragrant, about 45 seconds. Add stems; saute until coated with oil, about 45 seconds. Pour in water; continue cooking until stems are mostly tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in florets, leaves, and salt. Cover skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer broccoli rabe and its juices to a serving bowl. Top with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.

BROCCOLI SICILIANO

Steps:

• Boil pasta in salted water to cover about 5 minutes and add the broccoli for the last couple minutes(I like my broccoli in this dish cooked until almost mushy).
• Add pasta and cook until al dente.
• Drain off about TWO THIRDS of the water (Keep the rest, about 1/2-1 cup, since this makes the sauce. I recommend using the first 1/2 and see if it's the desired consistency, and if more liquid is needed, add the other half cup).
• Add mushrooms, tomatoes, and parmesan, oregano, butter, salt and pepper.
• Cook 2 to 3 minutes until blended.
• Makes 6 side dish servings.
• Note: you can double this recipe.

SICILIAN BROCCOLI AND DITALINI

Steps:

• Place in a dutch oven or a large deep frying pan:.
• Chopped onion and garlic and saute in the olive oil for approximately 10 minutes but do NOT brown. (just a slightly golden color will be good).
• Clean and trim broccoli and cut into 2" pieces.
• Add cut broccoli to garlic and onion.
• turn down flame and add 6 cups very hot water and bullion cubes, & salt & pepper.
• Simmer until broccoili is still slightly crunchy and add pasta.
• Add more water if needed while pasta is cooking with the broccoli as it can absorb alot of the water.
• cook until pasta and broccoli are both tender and most of the water is absorbed.
• turn off the heat and sprinkle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and approximatly 1/2 cup parmegiano cheese. Toss and serve.
• You can garnish with lemon if you like.

SICILIAN BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Fill medium saucepan half full of water and cover and bring to boil on high for the broccoli.
• Stir broccoli into the boiling water and boil 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until desired tenderness; drain broccoli thoroughly.
• Return saucepan to the stove; reduce heat to medium-high.
• Place olive oil in pan and swirl to coat.
• Add onions and garlic and cook 2-3 minutes to brown.
• Stir in broccoli until coated with oil.
• Cook 3-4 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors are well blended.
• Season with salt and pepper; sprinkle the cheese over the broccoli and serve.

SICILIAN PASTA AND BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Heat the water for your pasta while you prepare the broccoli.
• In a shallow, 10-inch saute pot, heat the 1 cup olive oil over medium-high heat (see Cook's Note). Add the broccoli to the oil and season it with salt. Saute the broccoli for about 4 minutes, or until it takes on a toasty color. The broccoli will absorb a lot of the oil, so if you find your pot getting dry, just add a little more oil to it. Throw in the garlic and cook for about another minute, until it's slightly brown. Don't burn the garlic! Take the broccoli off the heat and set it aside.
• Prepare the penne according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and toss it in the pot with the broccoli, garlic, and olive oil. If the mixture seems dry, add a little more oil.
• Toss in the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, stir, and garnish with the parsley.

SICILIAN "DROWNED" BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Cut stalks from broccoli. Peel stalks, cut into 3-inch segments and thinly slice lengthwise. Separate broccoli crowns into florets. Heat olive oil in heavy large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add broccoli stalks and florets, sliced onions and chopped fresh parsley and sauté until onions are tender, about 10 minutes. Mix in cheese, chopped olives and anchovy fillets. Stir mixture 2 minutes. Add dry red wine and stir mixture to blend well. Reduce heat to low, cover Dutch oven and simmer 45 minutes.
• Uncover Dutch oven and cook broccoli until very tender and wine evaporates, about 15 minutes longer. Season broccoli to taste with salt and pepper and serve.