Lemon Garlic Broccoli and Braised White Beans

Side dishes are one of my favorite things to make. I could eat an entire meal of sides and be totally happy. In fact, I often serve this recipe along other side dishes to make a complete meal. My favorites to serve together are Quinoa Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Miso Tahini Dressing, Cranberry Date Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, and Oil Free Crispy Sweet Potato Hash with Mustard Lemon Shallot Dressing.

Lemon Garlic Broccoli and Braised White Beans Ingredients

This side dish is incredible in that it has only 5 ingredients, there’s really no excuse to not have veggies on the table. All you need is olive oil, lemon, garlic, fresh broccoli, and canned white beans.

Even better, this recipe is ready in 15 to 20 minutes, making it the ideal weeknight side to serve with a protein like my Sticky Apricot Salmon with Citrus Salad.

How to make Lemon Broccoli with Garlic Sauce:

1. Infuse the oil: Start by sautéing garlic and fresh lemon slices in olive oil to infuse the oil with all of that delicious, fresh flavor.
2. Sauce the broccoli: Cook the broccoli in the infused oil to add a bit of golden brown color and flavor from the lemon garlic olive oil.
3. Add the beans: The drained and rinsed beans are added in this step to warm through and become silky, smooth tender.
4. Deglaze with water: Deglaze with water and bring everything to a simmer. Cover the pot and allow to braise until the broccoli is crisp-tender and not mushy and the beans are warmed through.

How do you braise vegetables?

So this recipe is a cross between sautéed broccoli with garlic and white beans as well as a braise? Yes, exactly that. A braise is where you saute first for golden brown delicious flavor, then add some liquid to the pot. You bring the liquid to a boil and allow the liquid to cook everything to perfection while simmering.

When making braises, I love to use my favorite Dutch Oven or heavy-bottomed pot.

Interesting Nutrition Facts Behind Braised Broccoli and White Beans:

This delicious beans and broccoli with garlic sauce also has so many nutritious benefits, let’s break it down:

• Garlic: Garlic may be small, but it packs a bunch of healthy nutrients that boost the immune system, reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol and provides antibiotic qualities.
• White Beans: A great source of plant-based protein, one of my favorites actually, as well as fiber to promote digestive health.
• Broccoli: The little green trees are an incredible source of vitamins and antioxidants. As a result, broccoli has been seen to help reduce inflammation, help with regulating blood sugar and supporting heart health.
• Lemon: Lemons pack a punch of vitamin C to help the immune system as well as reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Tips for Lemon Garlic Broccoli with Braised White Beans:

1. Always use fresh broccoli here, leave the frozen for a different recipe! Frozen broccoli will become too mushy in this braising method.
2. Feel free to substitute broccolini, cauliflower or even cubed sweet potato for the broccoli. Substantial veggies that can be sautéed then steamed are perfect for this recipe.
3. I use low-sodium canned beans, but you can use dried beans that have already been fully cooked. Any type of bean is great in this recipe.
4. Make sure your broccoli florets are all cut the same size, this helps with even cooking.

I can’t wait for you to make this recipe, please drop your feedback using a star or comment!