Purple sprouting broccoli

Purple sprouting broccoli is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that is currently in season in the UK. As advocates of sustainable and local food sourcing, The Occasional Kitchen is proud to incorporate this vibrant vegetable into our creative and innovative menus. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of growing and cooking with purple sprouting broccoli, as well as provide some mouth-watering recipes for you to try at home.

Gardeners and food enthusiasts alike appreciate the versatility of ‘Purple sprouting broccoli’. Not only is it a stunning addition to any garden, but its flavour and texture make it a fantastic ingredient for various dishes. This seasonal vegetable is part of the Brassica family and shares characteristics with traditional broccoli and kale. It features small, florets that can range in colours, from deep purple to vibrant green.

One of the major benefits of growing and cooking with purple sprouting broccoli is its nutritional value. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this vegetable is a fantastic addition to a balanced diet. It is particularly rich in vitamin C, which supports immune health, and vitamin K, which promotes bone health. Additionally, purple sprouting broccoli contains antioxidants that help protect the body against harmful free radicals.

When it comes to cooking with purple sprouting broccoli, the possibilities are endless. Its tender florets can be lightly steamed or stir-fried to retain their vibrant color and slight crunch. The stalks can also be utilised; simply peel them and chop them into smaller pieces for added texture. This vegetable pairs well with a variety of flavours, making it a versatile ingredient in both vegetarian and meat-based dishes.

Here are a few mouth-watering recipes to inspire you:

1. Purple Sprouting Broccoli Pasta:
– Cook your favorite pasta according to the instructions on the packet.
– In a pan, sauté garlic and chilli flakes in olive oil until fragrant.
– Add trimmed purple sprouting broccoli florets and a squeeze of lemon juice.
– Cook until the broccoli is tender but still has a slight bite.
– Toss the cooked pasta with the broccoli mixture, adding grated Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste.
– Serve hot and enjoy the burst of flavours!

2. Purple Sprouting Broccoli and Chickpea Curry:
– In a large pan, sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the onion is translucent.
– Add curry powder, turmeric, and ground cumin, and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
– Stir in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
– Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
– Add purple sprouting broccoli florets and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is cooked to your liking.
– Serve the curry over rice or with warm naan bread for a satisfying meal.

3. Purple Sprouting Broccoli Salad:
– Blanch the purple sprouting broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
– Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
– In a bowl, combine the blanched broccoli with halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pine nuts.
– Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
– Toss gently and serve this refreshing salad as a side dish with grilled meat or as a light lunch on its own.

By incorporating purple sprouting broccoli into your meals, you not only support local and seasonal food but also treat yourself to healthy and flavourful dishes. Visit your local farmer’s markets or specialty food stores to source this delicious vegetable while it is in season.

At The Occasional Kitchen, we strive to use local and seasonal ingredients in our creative and innovative menus. With our expertise in event and location catering, we guarantee that our dishes featuring purple sprouting broccoli will leave you feeling loved and looked after. So why not try growing and cooking with this versatile vegetable today? Your taste buds and the environment will thank you!