from Julia at Mariquita Farm

Broccoli di Cicco is an heirloom, old-fashioned kind of broccoli. It’s sweet like ‘regular’ broccoli, it’s what they developed the giant broccoli heads from. But unlike the big-headed Globe variety, once harvested, the di Cicco plants just keep on growing, so it is available at farmer’s markets most of the year (in California, that is). All the stems and leaves and everything can and should be eaten.

Broccoli di cicco is one of my favorite vegetables. It doesn’t last very long in the refrigerator, not more than a week, so I’ve often found myself whipping up this recipe just to use it up before it spoils. Leftovers are good for a day or so, but there are rarely leftovers. I’ve done this many times, very fast and easy and tasty.

Asian Broccoli di Cicco

1 tablespoon olive oil (Just enough to cover the pan bottom.)
1 pound broccoli di cicco, chopped into 1 inch pieces, including stems and leaves
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Heat a large frying pan until very hot. Add the oil and immediately add the garlic. Let sizzle for 15-20 seconds. Add the remaining ingredients and give everything a quick stir. Without turning the heat down, cover the pan and let steam for 3 or 4 minutes, or until the broccoli is done. (I go for 4 minutes, if you like it crunchy, go for 3.)

Broccoli di cicco Chinese Style

Why do this instead of the lightening fast “Asian Style?”

This is more substantial and quite saucy and the onions play an important role, they are not cooked long enough to ‘disappear.’

3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 pound broccoli di Cicco
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons rice wine
1/3 cup stock or water
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Wash the broccoli and cut into 1 inch pieces. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and cook the onion until golden. Add the broccoli and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Add the soy sauce and the sugar.

Blend the cornstarch, stock, and wine. Add to the broccoli mixture. Cook over high heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Turn off the heat and sprinkle sesame oil over and gently mix in. Serve.

that’s all?