Calabrian pan-stewed broccoli with garlic, oil, and chili pepper, the broccoli, or vruacculi, in our dialect, for Christmas Eve, and yes because they are never missing during the Christmas Eve dinner, it is traditional to serve them during the 13-course dinner, all strictly fish-based, including the essential fried cod, vegetables, sweets, and fruits, no meat is eaten on Christmas Eve in Calabria. The stewed broccoli, despite being a humble dish, pairs well with fish dishes and for this reason, it is prepared at Christmas but is so good that it is enjoyed whenever the occasion arises, also excellent for seasoning pasta, or reduced to a cream
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 2
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Fall, Winter
Ingredients for Stewed Broccoli
- 1.1 lbs broccoli
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 chili peppers
- to taste olive oil
- to taste salt
- 1 cup water
Tools for Preparing Stewed Broccoli
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Colander
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Pan
- 1 Lid
Steps to Prepare Pan-Stewed Broccoli
Clean the broccoli, cut them into florets, take the tender part of the stem, peel it, and cut it into sticks. Wash thoroughly under running water using a bowl and a colander.
Put a little extra virgin olive oil in the pan, add sliced garlic and chopped chili pepper, heat lightly then add the broccoli, add a scant cup of water, salt, cover, and let cook over low heat for about 15 minutes.
Halfway through cooking, give a quick stir, gently, to cook the broccoli evenly. At the end, when they are cooked, remove the lid and let the water evaporate completely.
Our Calabrian pan-cooked broccoli with garlic, oil, and chili pepper are ready to be enjoyed in all their goodness, and taste how delicious they are!
