A Side Dish as Beautiful as It Is Delicious

Ever been captivated by the mesmerizing, fractal-like patterns of broccoli Romanesco? This stunning vegetable isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a culinary delight waiting to happen. This recipe transforms its nutty, earthy flavor into a luxuriously smooth and creamy purée. Using the Instant Pot’s sauté function, we’ll whip up a sophisticated, low-carb side dish in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect elegant accompaniment to grilled fish or roasted chicken, proving that beautiful food can be incredibly simple.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (approx. 450g) broccoli Romanesco, chopped into florets
• 1 large garlic clove
• 3 tbsp (45ml) olive oil
• 3 tbsp (45g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60ml) milk, plus more if needed
• ½ tsp pink Himalayan salt
• ¼ tsp garlic powder, optional
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Directions
2. Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Once hot, add the olive oil, chopped Romanesco florets, and the whole garlic clove. Stir well and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the florets begin to soften and brown slightly.
3. Pour in ½ cup of water, then season with the pink Himalayan salt and optional garlic powder. Continue to cook on the ‘Sauté’ setting, allowing the mixture to simmer until the Romanesco is fork-tender.
4. Press the ‘Cancel’ button to turn off the heat. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes in the pot.
5. Carefully transfer the cooked Romanesco mixture to a food processor or high-speed blender. Add the softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of milk.
6. Blend on high speed until the purée is completely smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs wonderfully with baked chicken or grilled fish.

Nutritional Information

• Per Serving (makes 6): Calories 104 | Total Fats: 9.2g | Net Carbs: 3.3g | Protein: 2.5g | Fiber: 1.6g

Pro Tips

• For an even richer, creamier texture, substitute the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg after blending to brighten and enhance the flavors.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot. If doubling the recipe, sauté the Romanesco in two batches to ensure it browns properly rather than just steaming.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen the purée.

FAQ

Q: What does broccoli Romanesco taste like
A: Broccoli Romanesco has a unique nutty and earthy flavor, which is transformed into a luxuriously smooth and creamy purée in this recipe.

Q: Is this Romanesco purée recipe low-carb
A: Yes, this recipe is an excellent low-carb side dish. Each serving contains only 3.3g of net carbs, making it a great keto-friendly option.

Q: Can I make this purée without an Instant Pot
A: While this recipe is designed for the Instant Pot’s sauté function, you can easily adapt it. Simply sauté the Romanesco and garlic in a regular pot on the stovetop, add water, and simmer until fork-tender before blending.

Q: What can I serve with this Romanesco purée
A: This sophisticated purée is the perfect elegant accompaniment to main courses like grilled fish or roasted chicken.