Broccoli in Orange Shallot Butter π₯¦π
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of tender broccoli infused with a zesty orange shallot butter sauce. While it requires a bit more effort than the usual steaming method, the result is undoubtedly worth it, offering a tantalizing twist to your vegetable dish repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 3 heads of broccoli
- 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 5 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 teaspoons grated orange peel
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare Broccoli: Start by cooking the broccoli in a pot of boiling salted water until it’s tender but still retains a slight firmness, typically about 5 minutes. |
| 2 | Drain and Cool: Once the broccoli is cooked, drain it thoroughly and immediately run it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Pat dry the broccoli florets gently using paper towels, ensuring excess moisture is removed. |
| 3 | Infuse Shallot Orange Reduction: In a separate saucepan, bring the freshly squeezed orange juice to a gentle simmer along with the finely chopped shallots. Allow the mixture to reduce until it thickens to about 2 tablespoons, creating a concentrated flavor base. |
| 4 | Add Butter and Orange Zest: Introduce the unsalted butter and grated orange peel into the reduced orange shallot mixture, stirring gently until the butter melts completely, infusing the sauce with rich, citrusy notes. |
| 5 | Incorporate Broccoli: Carefully add the blanched broccoli florets into the saucepan, ensuring they are evenly coated with the luscious orange shallot butter sauce. |
| 6 | Heat Through: Allow the broccoli to gently heat through in the flavorful sauce, ensuring each floret absorbs the aromatic essence of the orange and shallots. |
| 7 | Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Serve the broccoli in orange shallot butter immediately while it’s still warm, preserving its vibrant flavors and crisp texture. |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 262.6
- Total Fat: 20.1g
- Saturated Fat: 12.2g
- Cholesterol: 50.8mg
- Sodium: 78.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18.9g
- Dietary Fiber: 6.2g
- Sugar: 5.6g
- Protein: 6.9g
Recipe Notes:
- Ensure not to overcook the broccoli during the initial boiling stage to retain its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- The orange shallot reduction adds a burst of citrusy sweetness to the dish, balancing the earthy flavors of the broccoli beautifully.
- For added depth of flavor, consider garnishing the dish with a sprinkle of toasted almonds or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
- This recipe is not only delicious but also falls under the category of low-protein options, making it suitable for various dietary preferences and restrictions.
