Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Black Broccoli Stew
Discover the rich, rustic flavours of Sicilian black broccoli gently stewed to perfection – a quick and tasty side that pairs beautifully with both fish and meat.
📖 What is it
Discover the rich, rustic flavours of Sicilian black broccoli gently stewed to perfection – a quick and tasty side that pairs beautifully with both fish and meat.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1 kg black broccoli (cime di rapa)
- ✓ 500 g black olives
- ✓ 6 spring onions
- ✓ a small bunch of fresh parsley
- ✓ 50 g Sicilian pecorino with pepper
- ✓ 50 g caciocavallo cheese
- ✓ 40 g anchovy fillets in oil
- ✓ 3 glasses of red wine
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Step into the heart of Sicily with this comforting black broccoli stew, a dish steeped in tradition and simplicity. Bursting with deep, authentic flavours, it conjures the warm, inviting atmosphere of Sicilian kitchens, where time slows and the air is filled with the scent of local cheeses and ripe olives. Ideal for cosy winter evenings, every mouthful brings a little piece of the island’s soul to your table.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Gently fry the spring onions in plenty of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan.
- 2
Add the parsley and the broccoli florets, continuing to cook gently.
- 3
Halfway through cooking, stir in the anchovies chopped into small pieces, the caciocavallo and pecorino cut into chunks, the olives, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- 4
Pour in the red wine, cover the pan, and simmer over a medium heat until the wine has completely evaporated.
- 5
Serve the black broccoli stew warm.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a milder touch, swap the pecorino for tuma, a soft, fresh Sicilian cheese.
- •
If you prefer a lighter version, omit the anchovies while still keeping a rich, satisfying flavour.
- •
Use a non-stick pan to prevent the broccoli from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- •
To boost the umami, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs over the dish just before serving.
- •
For a vegan twist, replace the cheeses with nutritional yeast and leave out the anchovies, keeping the dish full of flavour and suitable for all diets.
- •
The key to this recipe is slow, gentle cooking, which allows the flavours to meld beautifully.
📦 Storage
- • Store the black broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep fresh and flavoursome for a couple of days.
- • To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
- • Avoid freezing as it can affect the texture and quality of the dish.
🍷 Pairing
Pair this black broccoli stew with a glass of Cerasuolo di Vittoria, the Sicilian red whose freshness and structure complement every bite. Alternatively, a young Nero d’Avola or a light Frappato will also enhance the dish’s flavours. If you fancy something from further afield, a Chianti Classico or a French Pinot Noir make excellent, balanced matches.
Bringing this black broccoli stew to your table is like sharing a little slice of Sicily’s rich culinary heritage. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go at home – it’s perfect for gathering loved ones around the table to enjoy something truly special. Don’t forget to share your cooking adventures and spread the joy of Sicilian flavours with family and friends!
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