Trying broccoli leaves for the first time? Here’s a quick skillet dinner where broccoli leaves are the star of the recipe!
Broccoli leaves. They are a thing! Or that’s what I told myself when I saw a box of pre-washed, pre-cut broccoli leaves in the produce section at Kroger. I don’t always grocery shop with my toddlers’ taste buds in mind, and because I’m more of a fan of leafy greens then they are, I decided to throw a box in my grocery cart and try them on a whim!
The verdict? I actually liked broccoli leaves better than kale. Or maybe it’s because they were thinly shredded and cooked really quickly. If I did a blind taste test between broccoli and kale leaves, I probably couldn’t tell the difference. So for now I’m telling myself they are my go-to green in stir-fry or skillet dinners. The skillet dinner I created with the broccoli leaves had all the components every member of my family LOVES: kielbasa, red bell peppers [I served the toddlers theirs raw], garlic, a few spices, and buttered white rice to go alongside. Yes, I usually serve brown rice. But Momma only had white on hand and no one complained!
Most meals in this house are deconstructed for the likes of everyone sitting down to eat together. I don’t really consider it short order cooking if 2-3 parts of the meal are the same for everyone. Besides, I’m not going to stop my obsession and body’s craving for the good stuff [broccoli leaves] with the hope that the amigos catch on to their goodness quickly!
I realize I’m sharing 2 sausage recipes two weeks in a row, but the reality is sausage is always in my grocery cart and part of my meal plan. It’s fast to cook and a fan favorite among my crew, even when served with new veggies!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4-5 kielbasa links, thinly sliced
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup fresh green beans, chopped
- 1 – 14 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups broccoli leaves, shredded
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Rice or pasta for serving
- Add oil to large non-stick skillet at medium-high heat. Add sausage, bell pepper and green beans. Sauté until sausage is browned and vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.
- Add peppers, broccoli leaves, and spices. Sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes, until broccoli leaves are softened.
- Serve immediately with your favorite whole grain and a sprinkle of Parmesan or Feta cheese.
If you’re new to the broccoli leaf fan club like I am, what’s your favorite way to eat them?!
Ohhh my goodness, I LOVE new greens and have never tried broccoli greens!! So excited to try! And I LOVE this recipe; right up my families alley! THANKS KATIE!! XO