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