MAKES: 4 servings · PREP TIME: 5 minutes · COOK TIME: 10 minutes

Broccoli was the one vegetable that I loved as a child. My parents never had to force me to eat it because it was always the first thing gone from my plate. However, it wasn’t until I was much older that I realized broccoli isn’t in fact supposed to be cooked until it is mushy. Broccoli is still my favorite vegetable, but now I serve it cooked perfectly crisp-tender. Broccolini is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It has a mildly sweet, earthy taste. This charred broccolini has a deliciously smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh lemon.

INGREDIENTS

•1 pound broccolini

•2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided

•2 tablespoons grated lemon zest

•Juice of 1 lemon

•1 teaspoon sea salt

•1 teaspoon ground black pepper

•½ teaspoon garlic powder

•1 lemon, halved

DIRECTIONS

1. Put the broccolini in a large shallow bowl.

2. Put 1 tablespoon of the avocado oil, the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Mix to combine, then pour the mixture over the broccolini and toss to coat evenly.

3. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large cast-iron or other skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the broccolini and cook until it is charred and crisp-tender, tossing every 20 seconds to keep it from burning.

4. Plate the broccolini and pour any remaining pan juices over the top.

5. Put the lemon halves cut side down in the hot pan and char just slightly. Serve alongside the broccolini.

tip: Because you are charring this broccolini over high heat, it will smoke quite a bit. Be sure to turn your vent fan on before cooking. Alternatively, you can roast the broccolini on a broiler pan in a 475°F oven until it has a nice char and is crisp-tender.

PER SERVING:

CALORIES: 107

FAT: 7g

PROTEIN: 4.2g

TOTAL CARBS: 8.3g

FIBER: 5.7g

NET CARBS: 2.5g