82-Lancaster Farming, Saturday, November 1,2003 A natural hybrid cross between broccoli and Chinese Kale (also called gai lan or Chinese Broccoli), Broccolini is fresh. elegant and easy to prepare. It has a delicate flavor with a subtle, peppery ‘edge ” and the taste is milder and sweeter than broccoli when cooked It is completely edible, from flower to stem, and its texture is less fibrous than either broccoli or asparagus (the stem does not need to be peeled before being eaten) This is a strikingly versatile vegetable with an endless range of culinary possibilities and its elegant slim stems and attractive flower add a sophis ticated beauty to a variety of meal presentations Broccolim has been popping up on the menus of some of the nation s finest restaurants and is now widely available m supermarkets throughout the country Chefs and cuhnaiy professionals throughout the country are adding this new vegetable to their dishes Look foi Broccolim in the specialty produce section of the supermarket It comes bunched like asparagus oi washed and leady to use in a shrink-wrapped tray It ..an be a bit high in cost, since it is more labor inten sive to harvest and pack than traditional broccoli, but the sweet flavor ease of prepaiation and gourmet appear ance makes the puce well worth it Sweet Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes 6 ounces (about 10 stalks) Mann’s Broccolini, including stems, cut into 2-Inch pieces 1/2 cup diced red onion 1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained 2/3 cup bottled sweet & spicy stir-fry sauce 1 can (8 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat Add chicken and stir-fry until no longer pink, about 5 min utes Add Broccolini, red onion and water chestnuts, stir-fry for 5 minutes Add sweet & spicy stir-fry sauce and pineapple chunks, heat through and serve Makes 4 servings Prep Time 15 to 20 minutes Cook Time 10 to 15 minutes Meal Idea: Serve over steamed white rice Broccolinl & Sugar Snap Pea Salad Caribbean Chile Lime Dip Preparation Tips for 3rrxcmini • Lightly steam or blanch Broccolim to accentuate its delicate flavor and stunning, deep green color ■ Microwave for a quick, lightly steamed snack • Stir-fry Broccolim with a selection of other fresh vegetables, and add a ginger soy sauce for a breathtaking Asian-inspired, light meal ■ Dip the Broccolim in a flour and beer batter and deep-fry for a delicious and crunchy appetizer ■ Saute with olive oil, yellow onions and capers for a lovely accompani ment to meat ■ Grill this vegetable for a smoky, sweet summertime treat, wrap the flower tip in foil to prevent charring ■ Add to couscous dishes, pastas, soups, tapas, chilled erudites, sushi rolls, vegetable chihes, stews, quiches, macaroni and cheese, casseroles, crepes, salads and quick bieads the possibilities are infinite l ■ Nibble, it’s a great “finger food,” making it perfect for party appeti zers or hors d'oeuvres Sweet Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry Caribbean Chile Lime Dip 6 ounces (about 10 stalks) Mann*s Broccolini Dip: 2/3 cup pureed fresh or bottled peaches or mangoes 3 tablespoons mango chutney, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons mild red chiles, finely chopped 1 teaspoon Serrano chiles, finely chopped 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/8 teaspoon salt Blanch* Broccolini Set aside in refrigerator Combine all ingredients for dip Chill until needed and serve with whole Broccolini spears *To blanch Add the vegetable to saucepan of boiling water Boil for 1 minute, dram Rinse with cold water and pat dry with paper towels Serves 4 to 6 Prep Time 20 minutes Broccolini & Sugar Snap Pea Salad 6 ounces (about 10 stalks) Mann’s Broccolini, ends trimmed and cut in half 4 ounces (about 1/2 bag) sugar snap peas 1/2 cup (1 small) red bell pepper, julienne cut 1 cup baby spinach leaves, washed and ready to use 1/4 cup (about 3) green onions, slivered Vinaigrette: 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper Blanch* Bioccolim and sugar snap peas Set aside in bowl Whisk vinaigrette ingredients togethei in separate bowl Add julienne cut red bell pepper, spinach and slivered gieen onions to baby broccoli and sugar snap peas Toss with vinaigrette Salt and pepper to taste *To blanch Add the vegetable to saucepan of boiling watei Boil tor 1 minute, drain Rinse with cold water and pat dry with paper towels Serves 2 salads Prep Time 10 to IS minutes For more information and free recipes for Broccohni write to Mann Packing Co , Inc , Broccohm, PO Box 690, Salmas, CA 93902 or reach them via email mfo@www mannpackmg com
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