I love a good side dish. When I came across this one, I immediately fell in love with it! The broccolini (sometimes called baby broccoli) has a long juicy stem that is so delicious! It has a slightly sweeter flavor than broccoli, and paired with the caramelized pearl onions, it is amazing! I also love using natural sweeteners, so when I saw honey in this recipe, I knew it was going to be my new favorite! I seriously feel like I am eating candy with this dish! You are going to love how easy, quick, and delicious it is!

Broccolini with Caramelized Pearl Onions

2 tbsp olive oil

2 cups frozen pearl onions, thawed and halved lengthwise

1 1/2 tbsp raw honey

1/4 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (use less for less spiciness!)

1 1/2 lb broccolini, bottom ends trimmed

Directions:

Set a steamer basket in a large pot filled with 1-2 inches of water, making sure water is below the level of the basket. Cover pot with lid, and bring water to a boil. Turn heat to low and continue simmering.

In a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat, warm oil and swirl to coat pan. Add onions and sauté, until they begin to brown at edges, about 3 minutes. Add honey and salt. Continue to sauté, stirring constantly, until caramelized at edges, about 5 minutes. Add pepper flakes, stir and remove mixture from heat.

When onions are almost glazed and golden, arrange broccolini in steamer and steam for 3 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender.

Arrange broccolini on warm platter, scatter onions over top and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

This recipe comes from Clean Eating Magazine November/December 2010

Image by Sandrine Hudgens at creoleartphotography.com