If you’ve been searching for a dish that perfectly balances vibrant greens with a luscious, nutty flavor, this Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. The broccolini roasts to tender-crisp perfection, caramelizing slightly to bring out its natural sweetness, while the creamy tahini sauce adds a rich, zesty kick that ties every bite together wonderfully. This dish is as simple as it is impressive, making it a fantastic side or light main that will quickly become a trusted favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce Recipe comes down to straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one contributes layers of texture and flavor that keep things exciting yet comforting. From the fresh broccolini to the toasted nuts, every element is essential for creating that irresistibly tasty experience.
- Broccolini 500g/1 lb: The star of the dish, chosen for its tender stems and delicate florets that roast beautifully.
- Extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp: Adds a silky richness and helps achieve that perfect roasted texture.
- Salt and pepper 1/4 tsp each: Essential seasoning that enhances natural flavors without overpowering.
- Garlic clove (1, finely minced): Infuses a subtle pungency that complements both the broccolini and the sauce.
- Tahini 1/4 cup: Creamy sesame seed paste that forms the base of the luscious sauce.
- Water 2.5 tbsp: Adjusts the tahini sauce to a drizzle-friendly consistency.
- Honey 1.5 tsp: Adds a gentle sweetness to balance the earthy tahini.
- Lemon juice 1 tbsp: Brings bright acidity that makes the sauce sing.
- Garlic clove (1/2, pressed or grated): For the sauce, providing a smoother garlic flavor.
- Flaked almonds, pine nuts, or pistachios 1/4 cup, toasted: Adds a satisfying crunch and aromatic depth as the final touch.
How to Make Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 220°C/425°F (or 200°C if you’re using the fan setting). This high temperature is key to roasting the broccolini quickly so it gets those beautifully caramelized, crunchy tips while keeping the stems tender but not mushy.
Step 2: Prepare The Tahini Sauce
In a bowl, combine the tahini, 2.5 tablespoons of water, honey, lemon juice, the garlic pressed or finely grated, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. The consistency should be just loose enough to drizzle, but still cling nicely to the broccolini. Let this sauce rest for about 15 minutes so the flavors mingle and mellow out.
Step 3: Toss the Broccolini
Arrange the broccolini on a roasting tray. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle the minced garlic, salt, and pepper evenly over the top. Toss everything gently with your hands or tongs to coat all the stems and florets in that fragrant seasoning.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Place the tray in the oven and roast for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the florets—they should turn dark brown and crunchy, which is the absolute best part. The stems will soften nicely but still hold a pleasant bite. For a softer texture, reduce the temperature to 180°C/350°F and roast for 20 minutes instead.
Step 5: Plate and Dress
Once roasted, transfer the broccolini to a serving plate. Allow it to cool slightly until just warm, then drizzle generously with your prepared tahini sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted flaked almonds, pine nuts, or pistachios for delicious crunch and a nutty accent that rounds out the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of toasted nuts not only adds flavor complexity but also a delightful textural contrast. For extra brightness, consider adding a zest of lemon or a few fresh herb leaves like parsley or cilantro, which lift the dish to another level of freshness.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines alongside a variety of mains—from grilled chicken or fish to hearty grain bowls or even roasted lamb. It also makes a great plant-based side, pairing nicely with quinoa or fluffy couscous to make a full meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the broccolini in a shallow bowl, swirling the tahini sauce artfully across the top. You can also create mini broccolini bundles tied with a chive strand to wow your guests at a dinner party, making this humble vegetable feel truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover roasted broccolini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tahini sauce separate until ready to serve to maintain its fresh texture and flavor.
Freezing
Broccolini doesn’t freeze well once roasted since it tends to get mushy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce Recipe fresh or within a few days of cooking for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm the broccolini gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve its crispness, then drizzle the tahini sauce just before serving. Avoid the microwave as it can make the stems rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use regular broccoli instead of broccolini?
Absolutely! While broccolini has a more delicate stem and sweeter flavor, regular broccoli will work well too. Just cut the florets smaller and adjust roasting time to ensure even cooking.
Is the tahini sauce vegan?
Yes, the tahini sauce itself is vegan with just tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, salt, pepper, and a touch of honey—though you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave for a fully vegan version.
Can I prepare the tahini sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the tahini sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving as it may thicken slightly when chilled.
What nuts work best for the topping?
Flaked almonds, pine nuts, or pistachios are all excellent choices. Toast them lightly in a dry pan until fragrant for maximum flavor impact.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe isn’t spicy at all, making it a crowd-pleaser for all taste buds. If you want a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of chili flakes to the broccolini before roasting or into the tahini sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Broccolini with Tahini Sauce Recipe is a total game-changer when you want something quick, nutritious, and utterly delicious. The combination of tender roasted greens and creamy, tangy sauce makes for a dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent. I promise once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again—so go ahead, give it a whirl and watch it become your new go-to favorite!
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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 is a simple and flavorful side dish featuring tender, slightly charred broccolini tossed with a creamy, tangy tahini-based sauce. Toasted nuts add a delightful crunch, making this recipe perfect for a healthy, elegant accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Broccolini
- 500g/1 lb broccolini, ends trimmed (about 3 standard bunches in Australia)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black 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 through garlic crusher or grated using microplane (for smooth sauce)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black 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-forced to prepare for roasting the broccolini.
- Prepare Tahini Sauce: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the tahini, water, honey, lemon juice, pressed garlic, salt, and pepper until combined. Adjust the consistency so it’s loose enough to drizzle but not too runny. Set aside and allow the flavors to meld for 15 minutes.
- Toss Broccolini: Place the trimmed broccolini on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the finely minced garlic. Toss well to evenly coat.
- Roast Broccolini: Roast in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the floret ends are dark brown and crunchy while the stems remain just tender. For softer broccolini, lower the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 20 minutes.
- Plate and Serve: Transfer the broccolini to a serving plate and let it cool slightly until warm. Drizzle with the prepared tahini sauce and sprinkle toasted almonds, pine nuts, or pistachios on top. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the nuts with your preferred choice such as walnuts or cashews if desired.
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- The broccolini’s charred ends provide a delightful crunch; be careful not to overcook to maintain texture.
- The tahini sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
