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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Side Dishes ยป Lemony Romanesco with Pine Nuts

    PUBLISHED: January 31, 2019 โ€ข By Toni Dash 52 Comments

    Lemony Romanesco with Pine Nuts

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    Lemony Romanesco with Pine Nuts title image

    Romanesco is an exotic looking member of the broccoli and cauliflower family that shouldn’t be missed! Lemony Romanesco with Pine Nuts is a fast, easy recipe you’ll love.

    Lemony Romanesco with Pine Nuts title image
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    Lemony Romanesco with Pine Nuts title image

    Have you seen this bizarrely shaped, bright green vegetable in your grocery store?

    If so snatch it up because it has a short and sweet growing season!

    There is no more welcome sight for me than finding Romanesco. There’s no mistaking it as you can see from the photos.

    It is a vegetable that stands alone in its outer space appearance and shocking chartreuse color.

    heads of romanesco

    What is Romanesco?

    I can’t think of a more unique vegetable on the planet due to it’s architecturally intriguing structure alone.

    Also known as ‘Broccoli Romanesco’ or ‘Romanesque Cauliflower’, Romanesco is part of the Brassica family which also includes Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.

    Romanesco, Broccoli and Cauliflower

    What Does Romanesco Taste Like?

    Though it’s green, Romanesco is truly most like a cauliflower in its texture and gentle flavor.

    This recipe combines the flavors of lemon, garlic, scallion and a bit of heat from jalapeno; along with the soft, buttery bite of pine nuts.

    When is Romanesco in Season?

    Romanesco is a cold weather vegetable. It is generally in season from the fall through winter/early spring.

    The season can extend longer, from winter-growing in more mild climates.

    Romanesco doesn’t tend to stick around long so snatch some up and enjoy this mild, sweet, exotic looking vegetable while you can!

    Heads of Romanesco

    How to Cook Romanesco

    Like both broccoli and cauliflower, Romanesco’s bizarre fractal florets can be easily cut from the stem for quick and easy cooking.

    It can be steamed and eaten ‘as is’, or lightly seasoned for a perfect side dish. Sauteing and roasting are also great options!

    How to Cook Lemony Romanesco with Pine Nuts

    This is a tasty, easy recipe with wonderful flavor. It takes ONLY 10 minutes to cook!

    1. Gently steam the Romanesco florets for 3-5 minutes, until firm but no longer crunchy in texture.
    2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat.
    3. Sauté the garlic, scallions, and jalapenos until the scallions begin to become translucent (approximately 2 minutes).
    4. Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and the pine nuts, stirring constantly until the pine nuts begin to turn light golden (1-2 minutes).
    5. Add the steamed Romanesco and sauté to combine all the ingredients and flavors; about 2 additional minutes.
    6. Sprinkle on remaining lemon zest, and a pinch of salt to taste; give the mixture a few quick stirs to integrate the zest and serve.

    Lemony Romanesco with Pine Nuts in a white bowl

    More Easy Vegetable Recipes

    • Fresh Green Beans with Bacon and Sliced Almonds
    • Instant Pot Baby Carrots with Mint
    • Lemon Garlic Broccoli
    • Roasted Balsamic Asparagus with Goat Cheese and Toasted Walnuts

    If you’ve tried this Romanesco recipe on BoulderLocavore.com please RATE THE RECIPE below! 

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    Recipe

    Lemony Romanesco with Pine Nuts. A fast healthy side dish recipe for spring or fall, Romanesco adds a light flavor to any meal. Gluten-free recipe. - BoulderLocavore.com

    Lemony Romanesco with Pine Nuts

    This bizarre and exotic appearing vegetables is truly one of the more mild in flavor. Most similar in texture and flavor to a traditional cauliflower, the Romanesco is simple and quick to prepare, not needing much to compliment its gentle flavor. There is no better vegetable to call attention to your late fall or springtime table!
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 side servings
    Calories: 92kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    Ingredients

    • 1 head Romanesco , cut into florets
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin Olive Oil
    • 2 large cloves Garlic , peeled and dices
    • 2 Scallions , sliced (white and light green sections)
    • 2 teaspoons Lemon Zest , divided into 1 teaspoon portions
    • 2 teaspoon Jalapeno Pepper , diced
    • 1 ½ tablespoons Pine Nuts
    • Salt to taste

    Instructions

    • Gently steam the Romanesco florets for 3-5 minutes, until firm but no longer crunchy in texture.
    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Sauté the garlic, scallions, and jalapenos until the scallions begin to become translucent (approximately 2 minutes). Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and the pine nuts, stirring constantly until the pine nuts begin to turn light golden (1-2 minutes).
    • Add the steamed Romanesco and sauté to combine all the ingredients and flavors; about 2 additional minutes.
    • Sprinkle on remaining lemon zest, and a pinch of salt to taste; give the mixture a few quick stirs to integrate the zest and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 6.2mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    This delicious recipe was originally published in March 2014 and has been updated in January 2019.

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. artchee says

      February 06, 2019 at 2:48 am

      5 stars
      I’m trying to lose weight and your veggie recipe for romanesco looks appetizing. I’ll add this to my list of foods to try. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    2. Heather Barber McMechan says

      February 05, 2019 at 9:43 pm

      Such a delicious idea. We love pine nuts in our home. It works with just about everything.

      Reply
    3. Krystel | Travel on a Budget says

      February 05, 2019 at 3:38 pm

      I wouldn’t even know where to look for this, maybe Wegmans. I would like to try to make this though

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        February 05, 2019 at 4:34 pm

        That’s a good idea. Also if you have Whole Foods near you!

        Reply
    4. Clare Moran says

      February 05, 2019 at 2:37 pm

      Yumm this looks great! I am officially on a diet after the Christmas break so will have to add this to my list.

      Reply
    5. Tiffany La Forge-Grau says

      February 05, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      I have recently started using pine nuts in a ton of my recipes. I love the sound of this, especially because of the pine nuts!

      Reply
    6. Sarah says

      February 05, 2019 at 10:47 am

      This is my kind of side dish! I love Romanesco but I never make it. I’m going to have to try your recipe. I’m sure I’ll love it.

      Reply
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    Welcome! Iโ€™m Toni Dash. Iโ€™m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavoreยฎ. Iโ€™m so glad you are here!

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