Seared Broccolini with Bacon and Parmigiano

By Susie Middleton

(Photo: Scott Phillips)

Broccolini has flavor notes of asparagus and broccoli with a subtle peppery bite and crisp texture. Try it steamed and then pan-seared for quick and delicious side dish.

2 bunches Broccolini (about 1 lb. total)
2 thick slices bacon, sliced crosswise about 1/4 inch wide
Kosher salt
2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more as needed
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. ground piment d’Espelette
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

This dish uses a coarse-ground chile powder from the Basque region of France called piment d'Espelette. It has a fruity sweetness with a touch of heat, but if you can't find it, red chile flakes will make a good substitute.
In a large pot fitted with a steamer basket, bring about 1/2 inch of water to boil over high heat. Add the Broccolini, cover, and steam until just tender, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a large towel-lined baking sheet and let cool briefly; then pat very dry with another towel.

In a 12-inch skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a small bowl, leaving the fat in the pan.

Increase the heat to medium high and arrange half of the Broccolini in a snug single layer in the skillet, making sure all have good contact with the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt. Let cook undisturbed until browned in spots, about 1-1/2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter. Add 1 Tbs. of the olive oil to the skillet and sear the remaining Broccolini, sprinkling it with another 1/4 tsp. salt.

Return the first batch of Broccolini to the skillet. Sprinkle with the bacon, lemon juice, chile, and the remaining 1 Tbs. of olive oil. Toss well to combine and remove from the heat. Sprinkle with the Parmigiano, quickly toss to combine, and transfer to the serving platter. Serve immediately.


This side dish would go great with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin.