West Indies Broccoli with Lemon Sauce and Pecans

West Indies Broccoli with Lemon Sauce and Pecans Recipe

Region / culture: West Indies | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

West Indies Broccoli with Lemon Sauce and Pecans is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of broccoli with the tangy sweetness of lemon sauce and the crunch of pecans. This recipe is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish to complement any main course.

History

This recipe is inspired by the vibrant and diverse flavors of the West Indies, where fresh ingredients are abundant and used in a variety of dishes. Broccoli is not traditionally a staple in West Indian cuisine, but this recipe puts a unique twist on a classic vegetable by pairing it with a zesty lemon sauce and crunchy pecans.

Ingredients

2 tsp of cornstarch
0.5 cup of chicken broth
0.25 cup of lemon juice
1 tbsp of granulated sugar
1 tsp of grated lemon rind
0.25 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
1 large bunch of broccoli
0.33 cup of chopped pecans
1 tbsp of melted butter

How to prepare

In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Stir in sugar, lemon rind, and pepper.
Trim off the large leaves of broccoli, then remove the tough ends of the lower stalks and wash the broccoli thoroughly.
Cook the broccoli covered in a small amount of boiling water for 12 minutes, then drain and arrange it on a serving platter.
Spoon the sauce and pecans over the broccoli and serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked shrimp or chicken to make this dish a complete meal.
Substitute almonds or walnuts for the pecans for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle the broccoli with a balsamic glaze for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the broccoli until it is tender but still slightly crisp to maintain its bright green color and fresh flavor.

- Toasting the pecans before adding them to the dish will enhance their nutty flavor and add a delicious crunch.

- Adjust the amount of sugar in the lemon sauce to suit your taste preferences – you can add more or less depending on how sweet you like it.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, or as a light and refreshing main course. Pair it with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the broccoli before serving helps to retain its vibrant color and crisp texture.

- Thickening the lemon sauce with cornstarch creates a smooth and velvety consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the granulated sugar for a natural sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

The lemon sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- The broccoli can be blanched and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the broccoli on a platter and drizzle the lemon sauce over the top for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon slices for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the citrus flavors of the lemon sauce.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

180

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 15g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 5g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 120% DV

- Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 8% DV

Alergens

Contains nuts (pecans)

Summary

This dish is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal. It is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a healthy option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Summary

West Indies Broccoli with Lemon Sauce and Pecans is a delightful and nutritious dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and crunchy texture, this recipe is a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy the taste of the West Indies with this simple and delicious dish!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for West Indies Broccoli with Lemon Sauce and Pecans. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been handed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a yellowed and stained recipe card fell out, and I knew I had found something special.

The recipe was written in elegant script, with detailed instructions on how to prepare the dish. It described a vibrant combination of fresh broccoli, zesty lemon sauce, and crunchy pecans - a fusion of flavors that I had never tried before. Intrigued, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my kitchen, eager to recreate the dish that had captured my imagination.

As I chopped the broccoli into florets and toasted the pecans to a golden brown, the aroma of the dish filled my kitchen, transporting me to a faraway tropical paradise. I could almost hear the gentle rustle of palm leaves and the distant sound of waves crashing on the shore. It was as if the recipe itself held the power to transport me to the West Indies, where the flavors of the dish were born.

As I whisked together the lemon sauce, the tangy scent of citrus filled the air, mingling with the nutty aroma of the toasted pecans. I poured the sauce over the steamed broccoli and sprinkled the pecans on top, creating a colorful and delicious masterpiece that was as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate.

When I took my first bite of the West Indies Broccoli with Lemon Sauce and Pecans, I was instantly transported to a world of exotic flavors and vibrant colors. The crisp broccoli was perfectly complemented by the tangy lemon sauce, which added a bright and refreshing element to the dish. The pecans provided a satisfying crunch, adding depth and richness to each bite.

As I savored the flavors of the dish, I couldn't help but wonder about the origins of the recipe. Who had first created this delightful combination of flavors? Had it been passed down through generations, like so many of the recipes in my own family? I knew that I had stumbled upon a culinary treasure, and I was determined to learn more about its history.

Over the years, I shared the recipe for West Indies Broccoli with Lemon Sauce and Pecans with friends and family, who marveled at its unique and delicious flavors. They often asked me where I had learned to make such a delightful dish, and I would simply smile and say that it was a recipe that had found me, rather than the other way around.

As I grew older, I continued to cook the dish, each time feeling a sense of connection to the past and the generations of cooks who had come before me. The recipe for West Indies Broccoli with Lemon Sauce and Pecans became a staple in my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the joy and wonder that can be found in the simple act of cooking.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on the many recipes that have passed through my hands over the years, I am grateful for the serendipitous discovery of that yellowed and stained recipe card. It has led me on a culinary journey to the West Indies and back again, filling my life with the flavors and aromas of a world that is both familiar and exotic.

As I prepare to pass on the recipe for West Indies Broccoli with Lemon Sauce and Pecans to the next generation, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a sense of wonder at the power of food to connect us to our past and to the world around us. And I know that as long as there are cooks in the kitchen, the flavors of the West Indies will continue to inspire and delight us for generations to come.