How to Cook Romanesco

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Things You'll Need

  • Colander

  • Paring knife

  • Olive oil

  • Lemon juice

  • Sea salt

  • Cracked pepper

  • Red pepper flakes

  • Steamer basket

  • Saucepan

  • Garlic

  • Skillet

  • Pasta, cooked

  • Shaved parmesan

Romanescu looks -- and tastes -- out of this world.
Image Credit: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Romanesco goes by many names, including – confusingly – romanesco broccoli and romanesco cauliflower. The decidedly alien-looking vegetable is quite possibly the result of selective breeding practiced in Italy as far back as the 16th century. While romanesco looks a little like very well-coiffed broccoli, its flavor is more like sweeter, milder cauliflower that has a nutty taste that gives it depth. Romanesco can be prepared and served in all of the same ways that broccoli and cauliflower can.

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Step 1

Rinse your romanesco thoroughly in cool running water and set it in a colander to drain. Slice off the florets in bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, cracked pepper and red pepper flakes and serve them raw as a side salad.

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Step 2

Steam whole romanesco in a steamer basket until the color deepens and you can clearly smell its scent. This should take about 5 minutes, depending on the size of the romanesco. Cut the romanesco into small florets and toss it with olive oil and your preferred seasonings and serve as a side vegetable.

Step 3

Blanch romanesco by submerging it in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. Plunge it immediately into ice water to stop the cooking process. Cut the romanesco into florets. Saute the florets in a skillet with olive oil and garlic until they are crisp-tender and starting to brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Step 4

Toss blanched romanesco with cooked small pasta shapes such as ditalini, orecchiette, small shells or small elbows, Drizzle with olive oil and top with shaved Parmesan cheese for a quick and satisfying lunch or a savory side dish.

Tip

Add romanesco to your favorite baked casserole recipe calling for either broccoli or cauliflower to add a new twist to a familiar dish.

Warning

Never overcook romanesco because it will get soggy and tasteless.

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