Sicilian-style broccoli is a simple yet characterful dish that combines Mediterranean flavors in a balanced and harmonious way.
A healthy and tasty side dish, a valid alternative to the usual sides.
Easy to prepare and with little expense, you get great results.
The delicacy of the broccoli blends with the liveliness of other elements, such as cherry tomatoes, olives, and anchovies, while the crunchy texture of breadcrumbs creates a pleasant contrast.
It is a dish that can be served on any occasion, capable of surprising with its simplicity and depth of flavors, best embodying the spirit of Mediterranean cuisine, where the quality of the ingredients is the true protagonist.
Vegetables are essential for a healthy and balanced diet and should never be missing from our tables.
Broccoli is a food rich in nutritional properties that make it a precious ally for health.
Like vitamins C, K, and A, and minerals (calcium, iron, potassium), as well as fibers, antioxidants, all useful for strengthening the immune system, bone health, heart, and prevention of some diseases.
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, and Spring
Ingredients for Preparing Sicilian-Style Broccoli
- 1.3 lbs broccoli
- 5.3 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1.8 oz Taggiasca olives
- 2 fillets anchovies in oil
- 1.8 oz breadcrumbs
- to taste fine salt
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
Tools
- 1 Pot
- 1 Pan
- 1 Colander
- 1 Wooden Spoon
Steps to Prepare Sicilian-Style Broccoli
Thoroughly wash the broccoli under running water. Then, cut it into evenly-sized florets for uniform cooking, leaving part of the more tender stems.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the broccoli. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until tender but still crisp (al dente).
Crush the garlic cloves with the blade of a knife and add them to a pan with a drizzle of oil. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes golden.
Add the anchovy fillets, cutting them into pieces, and dissolve the anchovies in the hot oil by stirring. The anchovies will give a rich and savory flavor to the dish, blending with the oil.
Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes, depending on their size, and add them to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a light sauce.
Add the Taggiasca olives. Mix well, letting it cook for another 2-3 minutes, so the olives release their flavor, and adjust the salt.
If you like, add a bit of chili pepper for a spicy touch.
At this point, add the boiled and drained broccoli to the pan with the sauce. Use a wooden spoon to gently mix, ensuring the broccoli blends well with the tomato, olive, and anchovy sauce. Let it cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, just enough to flavor the dish well.
In a separate small pan, toast the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of oil until browned.
Off the heat, add the toasted breadcrumbs to the broccoli, mixing gently to distribute evenly. The breadcrumbs will add a crunchy note to the dish.
The Sicilian-style broccoli is now ready to be served …
Enjoy your meal, from Barbara!
Tips and Storage
This dish can be turned into a sauce for a pasta main course.
If you want a richer flavor, you can add some toasted pine nuts along with the breadcrumbs. The crunchy element and the slightly nutty flavor of the pine nuts will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
If you are not vegan or vegetarian, you can add a sprinkle of grated Pecorino or Parmesan on top of the dish before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Storage: Leave the dish to cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
I do not recommend freezing the finished dish, but only the cooked vegetables.
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FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I substitute the anchovies?
If you don’t like anchovies, you can omit them or replace them with capers.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, definitely. Keep in mind that you will need to soften them in a bit of water before adding them to the pan.
For a gluten-free version, can I replace the breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can replace them with chopped almonds or sesame seeds for added crunch.
