Purple Sprouted Broccoli w/ Orange Chili Dressing
Beautiful, leafy plant with popcorn sized bud, Purple Sprouting Broccoli is a new variety that we are rhapsodic about!
What is Purple Sprouted Broccoli?
We take any, and all, opportunities to cultivate from rare and diverse seeds. One that we are rhapsodic about is Purple Sprouted Broccoli. This time of year, we look forward to abundant harvests from cold tolerant vegetable seeds we had selected in the fall, and Purple Sprouted Broccoli is one of them. Unlike other broccoli plants that produce large heads and thick stocks, Purple Sprouted Broccoli produces popcorn sized heads resting on top of tender, thin shoots. We harvest and bunch the leaves as they are tender and sweet. They can be added to sauté, soup, stir fry, or pasta recipes.
In addition to being a special variety, Purple Sprouted Broccoli contains powerful antioxidants in the forms of Vitamin A and C. Vitamin A plays an important role in the body to ensure healthy vision, neurological functions, and lowering inflammation. Vitamin C contributes to a healthy immune system by fending off free radicals. Dark green and red hued vegetables tend to hand higher iron content. By adding the leaves into our bunches, our offering contains more antioxidants, fiber, and iron.
Selection & Storage: The finest selection of Spade & Plow’s Purple Sprouted Broccoli can be found in this week's CSA box or at the Spade & Plow’s farmers market booth. To store Purple Sprouted Broccoli, place it in a plastic bag, or container, in the crisper drawer. It will keep fresh for 4-7 days in the refrigerator.
Purple Sprouted Broccoli w/Orange Chili Dressing
This recipe was created for our CSA members to utilize the produce they received in this week’s CSA box. We hope to inspire you to try new things.
Ingredients:
1 bunch purple sprouted broccoli
Yellow Onion
3 gloved garlic
3 Tb bread crumbs
¼ cup chopped cashews
¼ cup honey
2 tsp rice vinegar(or white vinegar)
3 Tb roasted sesame oil
1 tsp chili flakes
Juice & zest from 1 orange
Recipe:
In a large pan, boil enough water to submerge Purple Sprouted Broccoli.
Trim ends of broccoli. Once the water has come to a boil. Boil broccoli for 2 minutes.
Remove from water and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.
In a large skillet, sauté 1/2 yellow onion(or a whole onion if you like onion) until it is translucent to slightly golden.
Add in Purple Sprouted Broccoli, and toss with tongs. Sprinkle with Salt and Pepper to taste.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together roasted sesame oil, vinegar, honey, chili flakes, garlic, orange zest and juice.
Chop cashews and mix with bread crumbs.
To plate: using tongs, place Purple Sprouted Broccoli first, top with cashew and bread crumb mixture, then spoon on the sauce allowing the bread crumbs to absorb the spicy, citrus flavor.
