Best 3 Broccoli Piemontese Recipes

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Broccoli Piemontese is a traditional Italian dish that embodies the essence of simplicity and rustic charm. Originating from the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, this vegetarian delight features fresh broccoli florets sautéed in garlic, olive oil, and a touch of anchovies. The addition of anchovies imparts a subtle umami flavor that elevates the dish without overpowering the natural sweetness of the broccoli. Served over toasted bread, it makes for a wholesome and comforting meal that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course. This article provides two variations of Broccoli Piemontese: a classic recipe that stays true to its Italian roots and a modern rendition that incorporates a creamy sauce. Both recipes offer step-by-step instructions to guide home cooks in recreating this authentic Italian delicacy in their own kitchens.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BROCCOLI BAKE



Broccoli Bake image

This easy broccoli bake with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs is a creamy broccoli casserole that can be a main dish or a side at Thanksgiving.

Provided by Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Categories     Main Course     Side Dish

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
5 cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets ((about 1 1/4 pounds))
1/4 cup white whole wheat flour
1 3/4 cups non-fat milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 cup freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a wide, deep cast iron (or other ovenproof) skillet. Once melted, pour the butter into a small mixing bowl, then combine with the Panko breadcrumbs and the Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Sprinkle the white whole wheat flour over the top, then whisk constantly for 1 minute, until the butter smells fragrant and the flour turns slightly golden. Very slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, adding a little at a time so that you break up the clumps of flour as you go. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes, allowing the mixture to bubble. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, mustard, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the cheddar until smooth.
  • Add the reserved broccoli, stir to coat, then pat the broccoli into an even layer in the skillet. (Alternatively, if you feel your skillet is not large enough to easily stir in the broccoli without it spilling out, you can combine the two in a separate bowl, then transfer the mixture back into the skillet.)
  • Sprinkle the Panko mixture evenly over the top of the broccoli. Bake until hot and the topping is crisp and light golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. (Tip: For an even crisper topping, place the skillet under your broiler for a few minutes at the end, watching carefully so that it doesn't burn.) Let stand 5 minutes, then serve.

Nutrition Facts : TransFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 (of 4), Calories 306 kcal, Carbohydrate 27 g, Protein 15 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 8 g, UnsaturatedFat 5 g

SICILIAN PASTA AND BROCCOLI



Sicilian Pasta and Broccoli image

This is a simple dish my grandmother made for me when I was a child. Now I make it for my daughter, Xea, and she loves it. As the broccoli takes on a toasty brown color, it develops a delicious nutty flavor that even picky kids will like.

Provided by Antonia Lofaso

Categories     main-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup olive oil, or more if needed
2 large heads broccoli, cut in 1-inch florets (about 6 cups)
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for salting the pasta water
8 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 pound penne rigate (Penne rigate is my favorite because the ridges give it more texture.)
1/2 cup shredded or grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 tablespoons chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

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.

BROCCOLI PIEMONTESE



Broccoli Piemontese image

Provided by James Beard

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 to 3 pounds broccoli
2 finely chopped cloves garlic
Olive oil
Salt, freshly ground black pepper
White wine

Steps:

  • Cook broccoli in boiling, salted water until barely tender. Drain. Sauté garlic in enough oil to cover the bottom of a large skillet. When lightly browned, add broccoli and spoon hot oil and garlic over it. Season to taste. Add wine and cook down quickly. Serve the broccoli with pan juices poured over it.

Tips:

  • Choose the right broccoli: Look for broccoli with tightly closed florets and a deep green color. Avoid broccoli with yellowing or wilted leaves.
  • Prepare the broccoli properly: Cut the broccoli into 1-inch florets and wash them thoroughly. You can also blanch the broccoli for a few minutes to help preserve its color and nutrients.
  • Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the taste of your dish. Use fresh, flavorful ingredients whenever possible.
  • Don't overcook the broccoli: Broccoli should be cooked until it is tender-crisp, but not mushy. Overcooked broccoli will lose its flavor and nutrients.
  • Serve the broccoli immediately: Broccoli is best served immediately after it is cooked. If you need to store it, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Broccoli Piemontese is a classic Italian dish that is both delicious and healthy. It is a great way to enjoy broccoli and can be served as a side dish or main course. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, Broccoli Piemontese is a dish that everyone can enjoy.

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