With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Seasonal Eats: 5 Preps for Purple Sprouting Broccoli
Purple Sprouting Broccoli at the Farmer's Market (Heather Parlato/LAist)
()
Springtime is really such an amazing time of year for rediscovering food at the farmer's market. One young vegetable you won't see at the supermarkets is purple sprouting broccoli, a variety of broccoli with purple florets and many thin stems, as opposed to the tree-like shape of Italica broccoli. They are delicate and do well with a light steam or sauté, sometimes with the florets blooming into flowers. Though it looks like broccoli rabe or rapini, it's different in flavor, but can be prepared similarly, which is why most recipes here call for rapini.
Being one of the cruciferous vegetables, sprouting broccoli is similar nutritionally to all other varieties in that it's mildly anti-inflammatory, a good source of protein, Vitamin E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Selenium, and a very good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Folate, Potassium and Manganese. Steaming broccoli 3-4 minutes is said to maximize its anti-cancer compound sulforaphane.
5 preps for purple sprouting broccoli
Try out a quick glazing over red onions for a double superfood punch: glazed purple sprouting broccoli & caramelized red onions
Support for LAist comes from
Go garlicky and spicy, subbing in sprouting broccoli for broccoli rabe: broccoli rabe with melted garlic
Zest it up with lemon and ricotta: broccoli rabe with lemon butter
Showcase the flavor in a tasty farro risotto: farro risotto with rapini.
Pair it up with pancetta for a hearty braising: braised broccoli rabe
Other seasonal eats:
Seasonal Eats: Make the Most of Pea Shoots this Spring!
Seasonal Eats: 6 Ways to Enjoy Brussels Sprouts
Seasonal Eats: Tame The Wild Stinging Nettles
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump.
Best of LAist