If you’ve ever wondered how to turn simple greens into a show-stopping side dish, this Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. Roasting broccolini brings out its delightful sweetness and crisp texture, while a creamy, nutty tahini sauce adds depth and a luscious finish. This dish balances flavors and textures in such a satisfying way that it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are modest but mighty, each playing a crucial role in making this dish sing. From the bright, peppery broccolini to the rich and creamy tahini sauce, every element harmonizes to create an unforgettable taste and texture experience.
- 500g/1 lb broccolini, ends trimmed: The star of the dish, tender but with a nice bite when roasted, offering vibrant green color.
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Helps roast the broccolini evenly and adds a fragrant richness.
- 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance natural flavors.
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced: Adds aromatic warmth when roasting.
- 1/4 cup tahini: The creamy sesame paste that creates the luscious, nutty sauce.
- 2.5 tbsp water: Used to loosen the tahini sauce to the perfect drizzling consistency.
- 1.5 tsp honey: Brings gentle sweetness that balances the tahini’s earthiness.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to lift the sauce flavor.
- 1/2 garlic clove, pressed or grated: Gives a mild garlic kick in the sauce without overpowering.
- 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper: Season the sauce to taste for balance.
- 1/4 cup flaked almonds, pine nuts or pistachios, toasted: Adds irresistible crunch and a toasty finish.
How to Make Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, get your oven nice and hot at 220°C/425°F (or 200°C fan). This high temperature is key to caramelizing the broccolini’s delicate florets, turning their edges beautifully crisp and golden. That texture contrast is what makes this dish so addictive.
Step 2: Whip Up the Tahini Sauce
While the oven heats, combine your tahini with water, honey, lemon juice, and garlic in a bowl. Stir until everything comes together smoothly—a drizzle-able consistency that’s rich yet light. Let this sit for about 15 minutes so the flavors meld into a creamy, dreamy sauce you won’t be able to resist.
Step 3: Toss the Broccolini
Place the broccolini on a baking tray, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the minced garlic, salt, and pepper right on top. Give it a gentle toss with your hands or tongs to coat everything evenly. This step ensures each bite bursts with flavor and that lovely roasted aroma.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll want to watch closely to catch the perfect moment the broccolini florets’ ends turn dark brown and crunchy—the best bite, hands down. If you prefer softer stems, lower the temperature and roast a bit longer, but I highly recommend the shorter, hotter roast for that incredible crispiness.
Step 5: Plate Up and Drizzle
Once roasted, let the broccolini cool just enough to be warm, then transfer to your serving plate. Drizzle generously with the tahini sauce and sprinkle toasted nuts on top. Those crunchy nuts are the finishing touch that bring texture and that lovely toasty flavor to each bite.
How to Serve Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling toasted flaked almonds, pine nuts, or pistachios not only adds delicious crunch but also makes the dish visually stunning. For a pop of color and freshness, a few lemon zest curls or finely chopped parsley work beautifully, brightening every mouthful.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce Recipe makes a fantastic side for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fish. It’s equally at home on a vegetarian table alongside hearty grains like quinoa or fluffy couscous. The nutty sauce and caramelized broccolini bring an elegant yet homey touch to any spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving this broccolini on a rustic wooden board as part of a mezze platter with hummus, olives, and flatbreads. Alternatively, toss the roasted broccolini and tahini sauce with warm pasta or cooked chickpeas for a quick, elevated dinner bowl that bursts with flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the broccolini and tahini sauce separately in airtight containers. The broccolini stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the sauce maintains its creamy goodness for about 4 days if chilled properly.
Freezing
Because the tahini sauce and roasted broccolini have textures that don’t freeze well, freezing isn’t recommended. The broccolini tends to get mushy, and the sauce can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days after cooking.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the broccolini in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 180°C/350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can; it compromises texture. Add fresh tahini sauce or drizzle any leftover cold sauce after warming for best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular broccoli instead of broccolini?
Absolutely! While broccolini has a more tender stem and slightly sweeter flavor, regular broccoli works just fine. Just cut it into smaller florets and adjust roasting time accordingly to get that perfect crispness.
Is tahini sauce suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, the tahini sauce in this recipe uses only plant-based ingredients, making it perfect for vegans. Just be mindful to choose honey substitutes like maple syrup if you want strictly vegan-friendly sweeteners.
Can I prepare the tahini sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the tahini sauce up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just give it a good stir before drizzling since it can thicken upon chilling.
What if I don’t have toasted nuts? Can I skip them?
Toasted nuts add wonderful texture but if you don’t have any, you can skip or substitute with seeds like sesame or pumpkin seeds for crunch. You could also sprinkle some crispy fried shallots for an extra layer of flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe isn’t spicy; it focuses more on nutty, tangy, and savory flavors. But if you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes to the broccolini before roasting or drizzle some chili oil on top after plating.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together effortlessly. It’s a vibrant, flavorful way to enjoy greens, perfect for sharing with friends or just treating yourself to something delicious. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a regular at your table!
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Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce recipe is a flavorful and healthy side dish featuring tender broccolini roasted to perfection and topped with a creamy, nutty tahini sauce. Enhanced by garlic and finished with toasted nuts, this dish offers a satisfying crunch and a bright citrus kick, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Broccolini
- 500g (1 lb) broccolini, ends trimmed (approx. 3 standard bunches)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
Tahini Sauce
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2.5 tbsp water
- 1.5 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 garlic clove, pressed or grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Garnish
- 1/4 cup flaked almonds, pine nuts, or pistachios, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C fan. This high temperature will help to roast the broccolini to a deliciously crisp texture.
- Prepare Tahini Sauce: In a bowl, combine the tahini, water, honey, lemon juice, pressed garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and slightly runny so it can be drizzled easily. Set aside for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Toss Broccolini: Place the trimmed broccolini on a baking tray. Drizzle with the olive oil, then sprinkle the salt, pepper, and finely minced garlic over it. Toss to evenly coat all the broccolini.
- Roast Broccolini: Roast in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the ends of the broccolini florets are dark brown and crunchy, and the stems are tender but still slightly firm. For a softer texture, reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and cook for about 20 minutes.
- Plate and Serve: Transfer the roasted broccolini to a serving plate and allow it to cool slightly until warm. Drizzle the prepared tahini sauce over the top, sprinkle with toasted nuts, and serve immediately. This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- If you prefer a softer broccolini, lower the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and roast for 20 minutes instead of 12-15.
- For best flavor, toast the nuts (almonds, pine nuts, or pistachios) lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
- The tahini sauce consistency can be adjusted with more water if needed to make it easier to drizzle.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a vegetarian main when served with grain like quinoa or couscous.
