Broccolini: Another simple side

Spring finally seems to have arrived and I am, of course, thrilled for many reasons. One of which is the abundance of produce available during the warmer months. I'm looking forward to so many choices at the farmers' market that I don't know what to do with myself. So in the spirit of spring, I'm working on creating simple side dishes with a variety of vegetables, including those used less often. For today's simple side dish, I've used broccolini, a delicious broccoli hybrid with long, thin stems. This lovely vegetable is a great alternative to broccoli and very easy to make. By boiling it first, the broccolini remains crisp but tender and cooks much faster than it would by simply sauteing. The mushrooms add great flavor and texture while the soy sauce brings everything together. This super easy dish will make eating healthy veggies that much better.

Broccolini with mushrooms:

• 2 bunches of broccolini, washed with ends trimmed
• 1 8 oz package of button mushrooms, sliced (or any variety you like)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• Salt and pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Stir in broccolini, cooking for about 8-10 minutes, until crisp-tender.
While broccolini is cooking, heat oil in a large saute pan.
Stir in red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds.
Toss in mushrooms and cook until tender, about 6-8 minutes.
Remove broccolini from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and put directly into the saute pan.
Pour in the soy sauce and stir to coat.
Sprinkle with a little black pepper, to taste.
Allow everything to cook together for another couple of minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

For a printable recipe click here