Steamed Broccoli Italian Style
Brighten up your dinner table with Steamed Broccoli Italian Style, a simple yet flavorful side dish that's bursting with Mediterranean flair. Perfectly steamed broccoli florets take center stage, enhanced by the rich aroma of garlic-infused olive oil and a zesty pop of fresh lemon juice. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat, balanced by the option to sprinkle Parmesan cheese for a savory finish. This quick and healthy recipe is ready in just under 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or as an elegant accompaniment to your favorite Italian-inspired entrees. Packed with nutrients and seasoned to perfection, it's a delicious way to elevate your vegetable game!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Rinse the broccoli under cold water. Cut it into bite-sized florets and trim the stalks, peeling them, if desired, for tenderness.
Mince the garlic and zest the lemon, then cut the lemon in half and set aside for later use.
In a medium saucepan or skillet with a lid, bring 1 cup of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli florets to a steamer basket and place it over the boiling water. Cover with the lid and steam for 4-5 minutes or until the broccoli is just tender but still bright green.
Remove the broccoli from the steamer and set aside. Discard any remaining water in the pan.
In the same saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add the steamed broccoli back to the pan and toss to coat it with the garlic-infused olive oil.
Lower the heat slightly and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Remove the pan from the heat and squeeze the juice of half the lemon over the broccoli. Toss gently to combine.
Transfer the broccoli to a serving dish. Sprinkle with the lemon zest and, if desired, grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy as a light, healthy snack!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
435 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.0 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.5 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 9 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 1804 mg | 78% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.9 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.9 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.0 g | ||
| Protein | 13.1 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 314 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 1101 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
