Most of us are very familiar with broccoli but how about broccolini?  It’s similar to broccoli but more tender and milder in flavor.  Nicknamed baby broccoli, broccolini is a hybrid vegetable and a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale.  It has small florets and long, thin stalks. The skinny for each serving is 78 calories, 4.5 grams of fat and 2 Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS.  This vitamin and fiber packed vegetable is one you’re sure to love. I’ve topped it with a skinny balsamic vinaigrette to add some pizzaz…

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

4 bunches (~1½ pounds) broccolini

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ teaspoon sugar

½ fresh lemon

½ teaspoon salt

Fresh ground pepper

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil.

2. In the meantime, remove the bottom third of the broccolini stems and discard.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together, the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic and sugar.  Set aside.

4. When the water comes to a full boil, drop in the broccolini.  Return to a boil, cover and cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes until the stalks are tender.  Drain well and place in a serving dish.

5. Drizzle dressing over the broccolini and toss to coat.  Squeeze lemon juice over the broccolini and sprinkle with a little salt and fresh pepper.

6. Serve warm

Makes 6 servings (each serving, about 4 ounces)

Food Fact
In 1998 broccolini was introduced in the U.S.  It’s now grown year round in California and Arizona.  Like broccoli, broccolini can be steamed, boiled, sauteed or roasted.

Healthy Benefit
Broccolini is an excellent source of vitamin A and C.  It also provides a substantial amount of folate, fiber, and potassium, as well as some iron, calcium and vitamin B.

Shopping Tip
Choose crisp, bright green stalks with tightly closed buds.

Storage Tip
Refrigerate broccolini in a plastic bag for up to 10 days.  Don’t wash until ready to use.

Substitution Tip
Can’t find broccolini?  You can use broccoli or asparagus instead.

Weight Watchers (old points) 1
Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 2