Broccoli with Lemon Almond Butter

 Broccoli with Lemon Almond Butter is a healthy and flavorful side dish that's perfect for any weeknight meal. It's a simple recipe that combines the freshness of broccoli with the tanginess of lemon and the richness of almond butter.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli: The star of the dish! You can use fresh broccoli florets or frozen florets for convenience.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are used to add a bright and tangy flavor that complements the broccoli and almond butter.
• Almond Butter: Creamy almond butter is the base of the sauce, providing a nutty richness and a creamy texture.
• Butter or Olive Oil: A small amount of fat helps to cook the broccoli and creates a base for the sauce.
• Garlic (Optional): A clove of garlic adds a savory depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) can be used to adjust the taste.

Basic Steps:

1. Cook the Broccoli: There are two main ways to cook the broccoli for this dish:
   • Steaming: Steaming is a healthy way to cook the broccoli while preserving its nutrients and vibrant green color. Steam the florets for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
   • Blanching: Briefly blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain the color.
2. Make the Almond Butter Sauce: While the broccoli cooks, melt butter or heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic (if using) and cook for a minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in Almond Butter: Whisk in the almond butter until smooth. Be careful not to let the butter burn.
4. Lemon Flavor: Add lemon juice and lemon zest to the pan. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to your desired level of tanginess.
5. Seasonings: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) for a touch of heat.
6. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked broccoli florets with the lemon almond butter sauce until well coated. Heat for another minute or two to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately.

Tips:

• If the almond butter sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or chicken broth.
• For a richer flavor, you can use toasted almond butter in the sauce. Simply toast the almonds in a dry pan until golden brown before grinding them into a butter.
• You can add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives to the finished dish for an extra touch of freshness.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Broccoli with Lemon Almond Butter is a simple yet flavorful side dish that's packed with nutrients. It's a great way to add some variety to your meals and enjoy the delicious combination of broccoli, lemon, and almonds.