This simple, quick recipe utilizes only a few ingredients to come up with a delicious appetizer or side dish. If you’ve always wanted to try cooking with broccoli greens but didn’t know where to start, this is the recipe for you!

Recipe Courtesy of the Forager Chef

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (8 cups) Broccoli leaves stems removed, leaves cut into 1 inch strips, rinsed and dried
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Fresh wedge of lemon to taste
  • 3 tablespoons virgin olive oil plus more for finishing
  • Crushed red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
  • 2 large cloves of garlic thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon of water or dry white wine

Directions:

  1. Warm the garlic and oil in a 10 inch or larger saute pan or cast iron skillet and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally until the garlic is aromatic, nutty smelling, and light brown.
  2. Add the crushed red pepper and greens to the pan along with the tablespoon of water or wine and cover with a tight fitting lid and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Remove the lid and stir the leaves to evenly wilt them, season to taste with salt, then put the lid back on and cook a few minutes more until they’re as tender as you’d like.
  4. If the pan looks dry, add another spoonful of water to prevent it from drying out. When the leaves are tender, double check the seasoning and adjust as needed, then remove with tongs or a slotted spoon to prevent juice from leaking onto your plate. Serve with lemon wedges and more olive oil for drizzling alongside.