Roman Broccoli Sauce Recipe

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This Roman Broccoli Sauce is a testament to the Roman love for dishes that transform humble ingredients into a symphony of taste. What sets this sauce apart is its rustic, earthy tones, combined with a gentle, velvety texture that perfectly coats the tender strands of your favorite pasta. And here’s the best part—the recipe is disarmingly simple, accessible to cooks of all skill levels, and adaptable to whatever fresh produce you might have at hand.

How to make Roman Broccoli Sauce

Roman Broccoli Sauce is a flavorful Italian sauce that’s often used to complement pasta dishes. Despite its name, it’s not directly tied to ancient Rome but reflects the traditional Italian use of simple, fresh ingredients. The sauce typically contains broccoli as a main ingredient, cooked to create a creamy, vibrant blend.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of broccoli (about 1 lb or 450g), cut into florets
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
• 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus extra for serving
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• Optional: Anchovy fillets (2-3), finely chopped, for an umami depth
• Pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni work well) for serving

Instructions:

1. Prep the Broccoli: Begin by washing the broccoli florets and then steaming them until they are just tender. You can steam them in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as they will cook further in the pan. Once done, remove the broccoli and set aside. Reserve some of the cooking water.
2. Cook the Garlic (and Anchovies): Heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chili flakes, cooking them gently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. If you’re using anchovies, add them now, mashing them into the oil until they dissolve.
3. Combine Broccoli: Add the steamed broccoli florets to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to help break down the broccoli into smaller pieces, mixing well with the garlic and olive oil. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved cooking water to help create a saucy consistency.
4. Season: Season the broccoli mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce thickens too much, add more of the reserved cooking water.
5. Add Pecorino Cheese: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and emulsified with the olive oil. Adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
6. Serve: Toss the Roman Broccoli Sauce with freshly cooked pasta, ensuring that the sauce perfectly coats the pasta. Serve hot, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano.

Tips for the Perfect Roman Broccoli Sauce:

• Freshness is Key: Choose a fresh, vibrant green broccoli head. Fresh broccoli tastes better and retains a better texture when cooked.
• To Blanch or Not: While this recipe calls for steaming the broccoli, you can also blanch the florets in salted boiling water for a minute before transferring them to ice water. This method can preserve the rich green color.
• Variety: For a refreshing touch, feel free to add a handful of fresh basil or parsley towards the end.
• Consistency Matters: Aim for a creamy consistency in your sauce. If it’s too thick, adjust by adding more reserved cooking water a tablespoon at a time.
• Pairing with Pasta: Choose pasta that can hold onto the sauce well. Short, tubular shapes, or those with ridges, are ideal.

What to serve with

Serving Roman Broccoli Sauce is not just about the pasta—it’s about creating a balanced, delicious meal that complements the flavors and textures of this rich sauce. Here are some ideas on what to serve with it, making your meal a memorable experience.

Main Dish

The sauce itself is usually mixed with pasta as the main dish. Opt for pasta types that can hug the sauce well, such as rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti. For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles (zoodles).

Proteins

To add a protein to your meal, consider the following options:

• Grilled Chicken or Fish: A simply seasoned grilled chicken breast or a filet of fish (such as salmon or cod) can be a light, flavorful addition that complements the hearty sauce without overpowering it.
• Sausages: Grilled or pan-fried Italian sausages, sliced and served on the side or mixed into the sauce, can enhance the meal with their spices and textures.
• Cannellini Beans: For a vegetarian protein boost, stir cannellini beans into the sauce. They’re also a nod to Italian culinary traditions and add a lovely creaminess.

Vegetables & Salads

Consider adding a fresh element to the meal with vegetables or a salad:

• Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can add sweetness and a slight char that balances well with the richness of the sauce.
• Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and shavings of Parmesan cheese offers a peppery, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.

Bread

No Italian meal is complete without good bread. Choose from:

• Crusty Bread: A rustic, crusty loaf of bread like a Ciabatta or a baguette, served warm, is perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce.
• Garlic Bread: For a more flavorful option, serve garlic bread. Its buttery, garlicky goodness is a welcome addition to any Italian-style meal.

Wine Pairings

A good meal deserves a good wine. Pair your Roman Broccoli Sauce with:

• White Wine: A crisp, dry white like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay can complement the creamy sauce without overwhelming it.
• Red Wine: If you prefer red, choose a lighter-bodied wine such as Pinot Noir or Barbera, which won’t clash with the sauce’s flavors.

Desserts

Finish off the meal on a sweet note:

• Gelato or Sorbetto: A scoop of lemon or raspberry sorbet can cleanse the palate with its refreshing zest. For creamier preferences, opt for classic flavors like vanilla or pistachio gelato.
• Tiramisu: For those who desire a richer dessert, a slice of tiramisu offers a deliciously creamy and coffee-infused finale to the meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

Roman Broccoli Sauce, traditionally featuring broccoli in a savory blend of garlic, anchovies, and possibly pepperoncini (chili peppers), evokes the rustic, bold flavors of Roman cuisine. Understanding how to substitute ingredients can help maintain the integrity of the dish while catering to different needs, whether due to dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or availability issues.

Broccoli Substitute

• Broccoli Rabe: This is an excellent substitute for a slightly more bitter taste and similar texture. It’s also traditional in Italian cooking.
• Cauliflower: Offers a milder flavor and can create a similar texture and bulk in the sauce.
• Romanesco: This visually striking and slightly nutty alternative blends beautifully with the sauce’s robust flavors.

Garlic Substitute

• Shallots: They provide a mild, sweet flavor that can mimic the aromatic presence of garlic in the sauce.
• Garlic Powder: If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can be a convenient alternative. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder to substitute for one clove of garlic.
• Asafetida: A pinch of asafetida powder works as a substitute, especially for those who cannot consume garlic due to dietary restrictions. It offers a sulfurous, onion-like flavor.

Anchovies Substitute

• Capers and Olives: A blend of capers and chopped olives can mimic the salty, briny quality of anchovies, suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A few dashes can add the umami and complexity that anchovies usually offer. If you’re avoiding fish, ensure it’s a vegetarian version.

Pepperoncini Substitute

• Red Pepper Flakes: If fresh or pickled pepperoncini is unavailable, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a similar spicy kick.
• Jalapeño Peppers: Deseeded and finely chopped, they can offer a fresh, mild heat compared to pepperoncini.
• Bell Peppers with a Dash of Hot Sauce: For a milder version, add bell peppers to your favorite hot sauce to introduce some heat without overpowering the dish.

Olive Oil Substitute

• Avocado Oil is a good high-heat substitute with a mild flavor that doesn’t interfere with the sauce’s taste profile.
• Butter can be used for a richer flavor, though it alters the traditional profile of the sauce. It’s perfect if you’re aiming for a more Northern Italian influence.

Final Thoughts

When serving Roman Broccoli Sauce, the goal is to strike a balance between the sauce’s richness and the other components of the meal. By choosing sides and accompaniments that offer different textures and flavors, you can turn a simple pasta dish into a feast that celebrates the diversity of Italian cuisine.

More Sauce Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce Homemade Recipe
• Blueberry Sauce for Pancakes
• Black Truffle Hot Sauce Recipe
• Truffle Alfredo Sauce Recipe
• Truffle Cream Sauce Recipe