Garlic and Red Pepper Broccoli Delight
Elevate your vegetable side dish repertoire with this delightful Garlic and Red Pepper Broccoli Delight. The vibrant colors of broccoli florets combined with the sweet kick of red peppers and aromatic garlic bring an exquisite taste to your dinner table. This dish pairs perfectly with any pasta or protein of your choice, making it an ideal alternative to a traditional salad. It's both healthy and quick to whip up, ensuring you get a nutritious boost during your meal times.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
broccoli
1 large head (cut into florets)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
garlic cloves
4 (thinly sliced)
shallots
4 (thinly sliced)
sweet red pepper
1 (sliced into rounds)
asiago cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
red pepper flakes
to taste
Instructions
1
Prepare the broccoli by cutting it into florets and place them in a steamer basket.
2
Set the steamer basket in a large saucepan filled with boiling water. Cover and steam the broccoli for 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes bright green and crisp-tender.
3
Once steamed, transfer the broccoli to a large serving bowl and set aside.
4
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
5
Add the sliced garlic, shallots, and sweet red pepper to the skillet. Sauté the mixture gently for about 3 minutes, or until the shallots become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
6
Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately add the steamed broccoli to the sautéed mixture. Toss them together ensuring the broccoli is well coated with the seasoned oil.
7
Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes according to your preference.
8
Sprinkle the grated Asiago cheese over the top and give the broccoli a gentle toss to distribute the flavors evenly.
9
Serve immediately for a warm, flavorful side dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic and Red Pepper Broccoli Delight?
It is a vibrant and healthy vegetable side dish featuring steamed broccoli tossed with sautéed garlic, shallots, sweet red peppers, and Asiago cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, oil, seasonings, and cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
How long should I steam the broccoli?
The broccoli should be steamed for 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes bright green and crisp-tender.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to adjust the steaming time as it may cook faster than fresh florets.
What type of cheese is used in this broccoli dish?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated Asiago cheese to be sprinkled over the top.
What can I use as a substitute for Asiago cheese?
If you do not have Asiago, you can use Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or a sharp Provolone as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by omitting the Asiago cheese or using a plant-based cheese alternative.
What is the best way to prepare the garlic?
The 4 garlic cloves should be thinly sliced to allow them to sauté evenly and release their aroma without burning.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish has a slight kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
What can I substitute for shallots?
If you do not have shallots, you can use a small amount of finely diced red onion or the white parts of green onions.
Should the broccoli be cooked until it is soft?
No, for the best texture, the broccoli should be cooked until it is crisp-tender, meaning it is cooked through but still has a slight bite.
How do I prepare the sweet red pepper?
The sweet red pepper should be sliced into rounds before being sautéed with the garlic and shallots.
What kind of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and healthy fat content.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Sliced carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms would make great additions to this sauté.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What should I serve with this broccoli side dish?
It pairs excellently with pasta, grilled chicken, fish, or any protein of your choice.
How long does it take to sauté the aromatics?
The garlic, shallots, and red pepper should be sautéed for about 3 minutes over medium heat until fragrant and translucent.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served immediately, you can steam the broccoli and slice the vegetables in advance to save time.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I roast the broccoli instead of steaming?
Yes, you can roast the broccoli at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes before tossing it with the sautéed mixture.
What are the health benefits of this dish?
This dish is high in fiber, vitamins A and C from the broccoli and peppers, and healthy fats from the olive oil.
Is it necessary to use red pepper flakes?
No, the red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
Yes, yellow or orange peppers work well as they offer a similar sweetness to red peppers.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe requires 9 ingredients, including seasonings.
Does this dish contain many calories?
While specific calorie counts aren't provided, it is a low-calorie dish primarily composed of vegetables and a small amount of oil and cheese.
Can I use bottled garlic instead of fresh cloves?
While fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, you can use pre-minced bottled garlic if necessary.
Do I need to peel the shallots?
Yes, you should remove the papery skin from the shallots before slicing them.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, with a steaming time of 5 minutes and a sauté time of 3 minutes, it is a very quick side dish to prepare.