Garlic Sauteed Broccoli with Almonds
This dish comes together quickly because we have already blanched the broccoli ahead of time. This means all the chopping and mess is done and this softly par-cooked broccoli is waiting for you in the fridge. This makes for a super easy side dish to prepare when you are assembling dinner. Use this recipe for garlic sauteed broccoli as a starting point to creating your own twist for any meal. Link for how to blanch and prep your broccoli is below too.
When choosing broccoli in the store, look for a nice even green color with no blemishes or yellow spots. The broccoli stem should feel firm, soft stems or limp florets are a sign the vegetable is getting old. Store broccoli in the crisper drawer of the fridge until you are ready to use it, but I find it is always best if you cook it the same day.
Blanch Your Vegetables to Make Meal Time Easier
My go-to preparation for broccoli is a two-step method that starts with quickly blanching it in boiling water, this helps to soften the florets and makes them turn a brilliant bright green color. Then after draining, I add the broccoli to a saute pan with some olive oil, minced garlic and salt and do a very short saute to complete the cooking process and create more flavor.
How to Blanch Broccoli
Check out this post for blanching broccoli that shows you all the steps to trim, blanch and store your broccoli so it’s ready any time you want to make a quick side dish for dinner like the recipe below.
How to Make Garlic Sauteed Broccoli with Almonds
You will need
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 cups blanched broccoli florets
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon salt
Couple turns fresh black pepper
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
1 tablespoon sliced almonds
How to Cook the Broccoli
Heat a medium frying pan over medium low heat. Once pan is hot, add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan, then add the broccoli. Stir to coat with oil and season with a pinch of salt. Saute until softened and a little browned, turning florets frequently. About 2 to 3 minutes.
Push the broccoli to the sides of the pan, add another tablespoon oil to the middle of the pan and add the garlic to the middle on top of the oil. Wait about 30 seconds to allow the garlic start to sizzle in the oil and then stir to incorporate into the broccoli.
Season with salt while stirring and taste for seasoning and that the broccoli is tender but still crunchy.
Turn off the heat, add the chili flakes and almond slices and stir to incorporate.
Serve!
Feel free to put your own twist on this flavorful broccoli further with fresh herbs, your favorite seasoning blend, sauteed shallots or green onions. You can also add some brightness with a little lemon zest!
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Garlic Sauteed Broccoli with Almonds
Feel free to put your own twist on this flavorful broccoli further with fresh herbs, your favorite seasoning blend, sauteed shallots or green onions. You can also add some brightness with a little lemon zest!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (separated)
- 4 cups blanched broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Couple turns fresh black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon sliced almonds
Instructions
- Heat a medium frying pan over medium low heat. Once pan is hot, add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan, then add the broccoli. Stir to coat with oil and season with a pinch of salt. Saute until softened and a little browned, turning florets frequently. About 2 to 3 minutes.
- Push the broccoli to the sides of the pan, add another tablespoon oil to the middle of the pan and add the garlic to the middle on top of the oil. Wait about 30 seconds to allow the garlic start to sizzle in the oil and then stir to incorporate into the broccoli.
- Season with salt while stirring and taste for seasoning and that the broccoli is tender but still crunchy.
- Turn off the heat, add the chili flakes and almond slices and stir to incorporate.
- Serve!
Notes
Blanch your broccoli first, you can find the recipe at: www.theholisticchef.com/recipes/how-to-blanch-broccoli
