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READY IN 25 mins

Awesome Broccoli Marinara

Read Reviews (78)

"This is a great quick version of an Italian traditional side dish in our family all the way from Italy. You can use fresh tomatoes and basil. However, as a mother of four, I opt for the quick method as I'm sure other parents of small ones can appreciate. The kids really love this dish too. Buon Appetito!" — Debra

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Original recipe makes 4 servings Change Servings

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, basil and olive oil
1 pound broccoli florets

2 cloves garlic, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

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Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in the tomatoes with their juices, and simmer until the liquid has reduced by about 1/2. Place the broccoli on top of the tomatoes, and season with a little salt and pepper. Cover, and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. Do not over cook the broccoli, it should be a vibrant green. Pour into a serving dish, and toss to blend with the sauce before serving.

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PREP 5 mins
COOK 20 mins
READY IN 25 mins

Footnotes

British English recipe for Broccoli with Tomatoes and Basil.
French recipe for Brocolis a la tomate et au basilic.
Australian recipe for Broccoli with Tomatoes and Basil.

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Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Jul 22, 2004

I did not have the specified canned tomatoes, so I used about 1/4 cup fresh basil and 2 tbsp basalmic vinegar. Instead of serving it as a side dish, I tossed it with pasta, pine nuts and fresh romano cheese. My children and I loved it, my hubby thought it was okay but needed meat.

—JuiceMom

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Aug 17, 2009

Not so awesome for us I'm afraid. I've never seen the type of canned tomatoes called for so I used red-ripe Roma tomatoes and fresh basil. Didn't use any balsamic vinegar as that didn't appeal to me because I wouldn't care for the tang. These are all good, fresh flavors, and I cooked it perfectly, cooking the tomato mixture first, then adding the broccoli for about five minutes, until tender and vivid green, but not overcooked. This was still just tomatoes and broccoli, and only average tasting.

—naples34102

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118 Ratings

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Feb 14, 2005

Very good.I also added some red onion and served with Feta on top.You can add crumbled Feta a couple of minutes before serving so that it melts.

—DONNADONNA1

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Jun 14, 2007

Ok... this is my new favorite sauce! I didn't have tomato sauce with the balsalmic vinegar and basil (didn't know they made such a thing) so I just added fresh basil and some balsalmic vinegar to the olive oil. I also added mushrooms to the mixture when I added the broccoli. I served this over cheese tortellini. It's just like a dish my husband orders at a nearby restaurant. Yum!

—spoexpecting

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Feb 05, 2010

This was a nice change for broccoli! We enjoyed the flavors of this marinara. Per other reviewers, I added 2T balsamic vinegar and fresh basil to a can of italian diced tomatoes (as that is what I had on hand). I used a little bit more garlic and it was perfect for us. Per another reviewer's suggestion, I served it over "Pasta Hot Hot Hot" from this site and it was a great meal. Thank you for a very good recipe alternative for broccoli!

—TTV78

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Jan 24, 2011

I couldn't find the tomatoes in the balsamic vinegar. I didn't really care for this recipe. It lacked flavor and I LOVE tomatoes and broccoli. I was very disappointed.

—kdonahue

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Feb 26, 2008

I love this! I've made it as written, and I've also added some cooked chicken to it (chopped) and mozarella cheese for an entire skillet meal. Thank you!

—HeatherM

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Jan 12, 2011

I guess this is supposed to be a side dish, but I added a can of tomato sauce, fresh basil, regular diced tomatoes, fresh mushrooms and garlic. Served over pasta, nice healthy dish.

—*Sherri*

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Nutrition

Calories
121 kcal
6%

Carbohydrates
11.4 g
4%

Cholesterol
0 mg
0%

Fat
7.2 g
11%

Fiber
3.8 g
15%

Protein
4.1 g
8%

Sodium
294 mg
12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Awesome Broccoli Marinara

Serving Size: 1/4 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 121
Calories from Fat: 65

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7.2g 11 %
Saturated Fat 1g 5 %
Cholesterol 0mg 0 %
Sodium 294mg 12 %
Potassium 491mg 14 %
Total Carbohydrates 11.4g 4 %
Dietary Fiber 3.8g 15 %
Protein 4.1g 8 %
Sugars 4.5g
Vitamin A 31 %
Vitamin C 182 %
Calcium 11 %
Iron 32 %
** Thiamin 8 %
** Niacin 11 %
** Vitamin B6 14 %
** Magnesium 9 %
** Folate 40 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.