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.
emman damian says
Lemony Romanesco with Pine Nuts looks like a great dish! I should try making this at home tonight. It looks so yummy!
Erica @Erica Ever Afterr says
I have never eaten romanesco before but this is a recipe that I would love to try!
Ruth I says
I wasn’t familiar with romanesco,I have yet to find it and try this cool recipe. Looks so yummy!
Rachel says
I can’t wait to hunt down this vegetable. I shop at a produce store that has all sorts of things and I tend to bipass things that I don’t have any idea of what to do with it.
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
I tried romanesco before and its so yummy! I really liked its taste. Plus it is so pretty to eat!
Catalina says
My family loves Romanesco very much. I will try your recipe! I am sure it will be a new favorite!
Subhashish Roy says
Your recipes must be so useful to those who love cooking.And they all look so yummy.
kristin lesney says
Have to try this out. Have seen this in the produce.
Kerrie Mendoza says
I have never tried this before but now I want to try your recipe. It looks simply amazing and I bet it is so tasty.
Claudia Krusch says
I haven’t but it looks awesome! I can’t wait to try it!