Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white and black sesame seeds, toasted (or just white)
- 400 g Broccolini (also known as Bimi)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar (Japanese)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- freshly squeezed juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- To prepare the sesame seeds, place the seeds in a dry skillet and toast on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Allow the seeds to cool for a couple minutes, then place them in a small electric grinder or blender and pulse a few times until most of the seeds are cracked open (a mortar and pestle can also be used). The seeds should only be cracked open, and not ground into a flour; the aim is to have some of the texture of the seeds remain.
- Now blanch the broccolini in a large pot of salted boiling water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl of ice-cold water. Drain again and pat dry with paper towels (or a clean kitchen towel). Place in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, stir in the olive oil and toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes and most of the sesame seeds. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over the broccolini and toss to coat. Transfer to a serving plate; sprinkle with the remaining sesame seeds and drizzle over the fresh lemon juice. Feel free to season with more red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
