Broccoli al burro
Broccoli al burro is a simple yet elegant Italian side dish featuring tender-crisp broccoli florets tossed in a rich, nutty brown butter sauce, often finished with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of Parmesan. Its core ingredients are fresh broccoli, butter, and seasonings, making it a staple in home kitchens and trattorias across Italy.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is moderate in calories (around 150-200 per serving) and fat, primarily from the butter, but it's also a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and key nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate from the broccoli.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Vitamin C | 135 mg |
| Vitamin K | 160 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 600 IU |
| Folate | 100 mcg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
| Iron | 1.0 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
Per 1 cup (156 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a perfect example of Italian 'cucina povera' (peasant cooking), transforming humble ingredients into something luxurious. Nutritionally, the fat in the butter actually helps your body absorb the broccoli's fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamin K.
