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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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Gently steam the Romanesco florets for 3-5 minutes, until firm but no longer crunchy in texture.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat.
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Sauté the garlic, scallions, and jalapenos until the scallions begin to become translucent (approximately 2 minutes).
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Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and the pine nuts, stirring constantly until the pine nuts begin to turn light golden (1-2 minutes).
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Add the steamed Romanesco and sauté to combine all the ingredients and flavors; about 2 additional minutes.
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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.
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
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
This delicious recipe was originally published in March 2014 and has been updated in January 2019.
Melissa Chapman says
I am a big fan of broccoli and cauliflour so I have to try this soon if I can find it where I shop. Making it with those lemon flavors sounds like a great idea.
robin rue says
I LOOOOVE pine nuts. I am sure they totally make this dish. Can’t wait to make it.
Ascending Butterfly says
I have never tried Romanesco before, does it taste more like broccoli or cauliflower?
I might crumble bacon in there though! 🙂
Toni Dash says
It tastes more like cauliflower. It’s very mild!
Stacie says
I have to try this! I’ve never even heard of romanesco, but this recipe looks amazing. I love the pine nuts.
Emily Fata says
This looks like such an incredible recipe! I always love when pine nuts are added to a dish — they add so much flavour!
Jeanette says
They have never even heard of this vegetable. I am all for new vegetables that you can do all sorts of things with. I am definitely going to try this recipe.
Monica says
This looks like a delish (and pretty!) side dish to serve. So wonderful to see something healthy too, as I’m currently trying to kick my sweet tooth!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
What a cool looking veggie! And I LOVE pine nuts!
Sommer says
These taste incredible!
Sommer says
So glad I tried this recipe. It’s so good!