Broccoli with Red Pepper Sauce

Broccoli with Red Pepper Sauce Recipe from California

Region / culture: California | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Broccoli with Red Pepper Sauce is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavor of broccoli with the sweet and tangy taste of red peppers. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or as a side dish for a special occasion.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional broccoli dishes, adding a flavorful red pepper sauce to elevate the dish to a whole new level. The combination of broccoli and red peppers creates a colorful and vibrant dish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) broccoli florets
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1 minced garlic clove
2 red bell peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped
1 small chopped onion
1 tsp chopped tarragon or 1 tbsp fresh chopped tarragon
1 tsp prepared horseradish

How to prepare

Place the broccoli in a steamer basket over boiling water.
Cover the saucepan and steam for 7 minutes, or until the broccoli is almost tender.
Heat the oil in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Saute the garlic, onion, and bell pepper for 3-5 minutes or until they are softened.
Stir in the remaining ingredients, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, and cook until the mixture begins to simmer.
Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and puree it until smooth.
Taste the mixture for seasonings, adjusting if necessary.

Variations

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the red pepper sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top of the dish before serving for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that the broccoli is cooked to perfection, be sure to steam it just until it is almost tender. Overcooking the broccoli can result in a mushy texture and loss of nutrients. Additionally, be sure to taste the red pepper sauce before serving to adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Broccoli with Red Pepper Sauce as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal. This dish also pairs well with rice or quinoa for added protein and fiber.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the broccoli helps retain its vibrant color and nutrients, while sautéing the red peppers and onions adds depth of flavor to the dish. Pureeing the sauce in a food processor or blender creates a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tarragon on hand, you can substitute it with dried basil or oregano. You can also use roasted red peppers from a jar instead of fresh red peppers for a quicker and easier preparation.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the red pepper sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce on the stovetop before serving with steamed broccoli.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh tarragon leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation. Serve the broccoli and red pepper sauce in individual bowls or on a platter for a stunning and colorful display.

Pairing Recommendations

Broccoli with Red Pepper Sauce pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, serve this dish with sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber slices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Broccoli with Red Pepper Sauce contains approximately 150 calories. This dish is a low-calorie option that is perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Broccoli with Red Pepper Sauce contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your daily activities.

Fats

This dish contains approximately 7 grams of fat per serving. The olive oil used in the recipe provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Proteins

Broccoli is a good source of plant-based protein, providing approximately 5 grams per serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

Broccoli is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Red peppers are also a good source of vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, if you have specific food allergies, be sure to check the ingredients list for any potential allergens.

Summary

Overall, Broccoli with Red Pepper Sauce is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Broccoli with Red Pepper Sauce is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this dish as a side or main course for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit my dear friend, Mrs. Thompson, who was known for her delicious and unique recipes. As soon as I entered her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the most incredible aroma of spices and vegetables cooking together. Mrs. Thompson was busy stirring a pot on the stove, and when she saw me, she smiled warmly and beckoned me to come closer.

"Come, my dear, I have a new recipe to share with you today," she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "It's a dish that combines the freshness of broccoli with the bold flavors of red pepper sauce. I think you will love it."

I watched intently as Mrs. Thompson expertly chopped the broccoli into florets and sautéed them in a pan with olive oil and garlic. The kitchen soon filled with the delightful scent of the vegetables cooking, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. After simmering the broccoli for a few minutes, Mrs. Thompson added a vibrant red pepper sauce that she had prepared earlier. The sauce was a magical blend of roasted red peppers, tomatoes, onions, and a hint of chili powder, creating a rich and velvety texture that coated the broccoli perfectly.

As I took my first bite of the broccoli with red pepper sauce, I was transported to a world of flavors and aromas that I had never experienced before. The sweetness of the red peppers balanced beautifully with the earthy broccoli, creating a harmony of tastes that danced on my taste buds. I couldn't believe how simple yet sophisticated this dish was, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Mrs. Thompson saw the delight on my face and chuckled softly. "I'm glad you enjoy it, my dear. This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and I am happy to share it with you. Cooking is all about love and creativity, and I know that you will make this dish your own."

After savoring every last bite of the broccoli with red pepper sauce, I eagerly asked Mrs. Thompson to teach me how to make it. She agreed with a smile and handed me a handwritten recipe card that she had prepared in advance. The card was filled with detailed instructions and tips on how to recreate the dish at home, and I was grateful for her generosity in sharing her culinary secrets with me.

Over the next few weeks, I practiced making the broccoli with red pepper sauce in my own kitchen, following Mrs. Thompson's instructions to the letter. I experimented with different ratios of ingredients, adjusting the seasonings to suit my taste preferences, and perfecting the cooking time for the broccoli to achieve the ideal texture. With each attempt, I gained more confidence in my cooking skills and felt a sense of accomplishment as I watched my family and friends enjoy the dish.

As time went on, I began to add my own twist to the recipe, incorporating fresh herbs from my garden or swapping out the red peppers for roasted tomatoes for a different flavor profile. I discovered that cooking was not just about following a set of instructions but about expressing oneself through food, infusing each dish with love and creativity.

Years passed, and the recipe for broccoli with red pepper sauce became a staple in my repertoire, a dish that I would often prepare for special occasions and family gatherings. I shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition of cooking and the joy of sharing delicious meals with loved ones.

To this day, whenever I make broccoli with red pepper sauce, I am reminded of that fateful day in Mrs. Thompson's kitchen, where I discovered the magic of this recipe and the power of culinary creativity. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a testament to the art of cooking and the joy of sharing good food with those we love. And as I continue to cook and experiment in the kitchen, I am grateful for the lessons I have learned from Mrs. Thompson and the memories we have shared over a steaming plate of broccoli with red pepper sauce.