Looking for a simple, flavourful dish that’s also nutritious? This Sicilian-style sautéed broccoli with black olives is a fantastic way to bring vibrant Mediterranean flavours to your table in just 15 minutes. Perfect as a quick side dish, it can also serve as a satisfying main course when paired with brown rice, quinoa, or your favourite whole grain.
This traditional recipe comes from my paternal grandmother, and it showcases the fresh and bold flavours of Sicily. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delicious and versatile dish that's sure to become a staple in your home cooking.
Ingredients (Serves 4 as a side dish)
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
20 black olives, pitted
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp pine nuts
2 red chilies, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar (red wine or white wine vinegar work well)
Salt, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Broccoli Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté until just fragrant and slightly golden (about 30 seconds to 1 minute).
Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, along with salt and chopped red chilies. Stir everything together, cover with a lid, and allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to get the broccoli to an "almost fork-tender" stage while maintaining a bit of crunch and its vibrant green colour.
Add Vinegar for a Tangy Twist
Once the broccoli is nearly done, pour in the vinegar. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for around 30 seconds, allowing the vinegar to evaporate and coat the broccoli with a slightly tangy flavour.
Mix in Olives & Pine Nuts
Lower the heat again and add the pitted black olives and pine nuts to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is fully tender, and the olives and pine nuts are warmed through. The nuts will add a nice crunch, while the olives infuse their briny flavour into the dish.
Serve & Enjoy
This broccoli dish can be served immediately while warm or at room temperature, making it an easy addition to any meal. For an extra punch, serve it over pasta or as a topping for a grain bowl.
Recipe Tips
Choosing the Right Olives: Opt for pitted black olives that are meaty and slightly briny, such as Kalamata or Gaeta varieties. Their distinct flavour really complements the broccoli.
Customisable Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, use one chilli or omit them entirely. For those who love a spicy kick, feel free to add more chilies or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Toasted Pine Nuts: For an added layer of flavour, toast the pine nuts separately in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the dish. This enhances their nuttiness and gives an extra crunch.
Balancing Flavours: If you like a touch of sweetness to balance out the tangy vinegar and spicy chilies, add a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey when adding the vinegar.
How to Pair & Serve
As a Side Dish: Serve as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter or with a simple salad.
As a Main Course: Mix the sautéed broccoli with a cooked grain like farro, quinoa, or brown rice. You can also use it as a vibrant pasta topping, adding a little extra olive oil and Parmesan for a complete meal.
Nutritional Benefits
Broccoli is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fibre and antioxidants. Paired with heart-healthy olive oil, protein-packed pine nuts, and olives rich in healthy fats, this dish is both nourishing and delicious.
Enjoy the fresh flavours of Sicily with this quick and easy recipe, perfect for any day of the week!
Word of the Day
Pinoli
(pine nuts, pronounced pi·nò·lo)
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