Oven Roasted Broccolini with Garlic and Macadamia Nuts

Broccolini baby! We can't get enough of this stuff in my house. And, each time I make it, I try something a little different. Just a subtle tweak to see if I can outdo the last batch. This version is now reigning supreme in the broccolini category. After a quick blanch, the stalks are tossed with butter and garlic and roasted with sweet macadamia nuts. The fresh, earthy flavor of the broccolini partners perfectly with the toasted nuts.

This is probably one of the simplest side dishes you'll ever make (aside from opening a bag of frozen mixed vegetables), but it's a real show-stopper. Be careful, your main dish might feel a little unworthy.

Broccolini or broccoli rabe? You can use either one in this recipe - and you don't have to change a thing. What's the difference? Broccolini is a natural hybrid of regular broccoli and has smaller florets and long, skinny stalks. It's also less bitter than regular broccoli. Broccoli rabe (also called rapini) is a cruciferous vegetable closely related to the turnip. It resembles broccolini, but has an abundance of leaves. The stems and leaves of broccoli rabe are slightly bitter, while the "buds" are nutty, just like broccolini. It's up to you which one you want to use in this dish - the butter, garlic and macadamia nuts work well in both scenarios!

Oven Roasted Broccolini with Garlic and Macadamia Nuts

2 bunches broccolini (or broccoli rabe), stem ends trimmed
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup macadamia nuts, halved

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccolini and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain.
Add the butter to the same pan over medium heat. When the butter is bubbly, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat, add the broccolini to the pan and stir to coat (using tongs works best here).
Transfer the broccolini to the prepared pan and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the macadamia nuts all around the broccolini.
Roast for 5 minutes, until the stalks just start to turn golden and the nuts are toasted.

Serves 4