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Broccoli in the Opera. A recipe from Bartolomeo Scappi (1570).
(printout version recipe March/April 2009 (1 page A4))
© Christianne Muusers

List of ingredients:
500 gram (1 pound) broccoli
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 crushed garlic clove
2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice
1 Tbsp. cooking liquid (optional)
black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
water and salt

Preparation in advance:
Separate the florets from the big stalk. You can peel the stalk, slice it, and blanch it with the florets, or use it for making soup. If you can find broccolini, use that. You'll only have to cut the ends off the stalks.
Place orange juice and garlic clove near at hand.

Preparation:
According to Bartolomeo, the broccoli can be blanched in advance and heated when necessary. But it is better to blanch the vegetable just before serving in salted water, just for a few minutes, to keep the broccoli firm. Drain and continue at once.
Heat olive oil in a small skillet with the crushed garlic clove. Remove the garlic after 30 seconds.
Arrange the broccoli or broccolini on a serving dish, sprinkle with hot olive oil and orange juice. Grind pepper over it, and serve at once.
If ytou wish, you can blanch the broccoli in advance, and keep it in iced water to preserve the bright green colour. Reheat in the microwave after draining the broccoli.

To serve:
"Serve it hot because otherwise it is no good". So: serve straight away.
Think of this dish as a 'warme salad'. You can serve it without problems in a modern menu, as appetizer or side dish.

Enjoy!

This page was last updated on 23-07-09 (d-m-y).