22 purple sprouting broccoli recipes
This super seasonal brassica is as versatile as it is delicious and nourishing. Try it in speedy midweek noodles, vibrant spring salads, roasted on vibrant flatbreads, and plenty more with our greatest hits
Looking for purple sprouting broccoli recipes? Check out our ideas for how to cook purple sprouting broccoli, including inventive side dishes, healthy midweek meals and vegetarian entertaining ideas. Then try our broccoli recipes, red cabbage recipes and asparagus recipes.
When is purple sprouting broccoli in season?
Purple sprouting broccoli is at its best between February and April.
Why we love purple sprouting broccoli
This variety is actually even quicker to prepare and cook than standard broccoli. Simply trim the stems and boil or steam for a shorter time – the tender stalks and florets will cook through much more rapidly. It's deep green leaves with a purple hue look lovely against a creamy sauce or in a colourful salad. As with other types of broccoli, it works well in pasta dishes and spicy stir-fries.
Health benefits of purple sprouting broccoli
Broccoli is rich in sulphur, meaning it's good for your gut health and, as a result, may improve your immunity. A key component of broccoli is a phytochemical known as sulforaphane, which gives it that slightly bitter taste. Studies have shown sulforaphane may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Purple sprouting broccoli recipes
Charred purple sprouting broccoli with tahini yogurt and spiced seeds
Charred purple sprouting broccoli, coated in a tahini yogurt and topped with spiced seeds, makes a sophisticated starter or light lunch. Serve with crusty bread for mopping up all the sauce.
Use up a jar of tahini with our delightfully nutty tahini recipes.
Broccoli stir-fry
At its best in early spring, make the most of purple sprouting broccoli with this zingy stir-fry, flavoured with soy, ginger, garlic and chilli.
Find more vegetarian stir-fry recipes.
Gnocchi with crispy purple sprouting broccoli and garlic butter
Here, purple sprouting broccoli is fried until crisp and heaped onto a bed of comforting gnocchi, slicked in a buttery, cheesy sauce. A satisfying 30-minute meal.
See more gnocchi recipes like this.
Lemon-crusted salmon with purple sprouting broccoli
Eating healthily doesn't mean you have to deny yourself. This salmon dish with purple sprouting broccoli is packed full of citrus flavours and is so delicious, you'll forget you're being virtuous.
For a hearty salmon dish, try our best ever creamy salmon pasta.
Sausage pasta with broccoli
A creamy mustard sauce livens up this sausage meatball and broccoli dish with penne pasta. Make it for a comforting midweek meal which the whole family will love.
Skip the sausages and go for our fettuccine alfredo instead.
Purple sprouting broccoli, blue cheese and almond salad
Match purple sprouting broccoli with a blue cheese and garlic dressing, then sprinkle with toasted almonds for added crunch.
We've got lots more stunning salad recipes to enjoy all year round.
Purple sprouting broccoli, spiced fried eggs and lime yogurt on toast
Cumin seeds and chilli flakes add punch to this vegetarian brunch idea starring purple sprouting broccoli. It's ready in just 10 minutes, too.
We've got plenty more brunch recipes.
Purple sprouting broccoli in oyster sauce
Purple sprouting broccoli is matched with a moreish sweet and salty oyster sauce. Serve with rice for a quick midweek dinner.
Have a look at our best speedy recipes.
Purple sprouting broccoli tempura with ponzu dipping sauce
Check out this vegan recipe for crunchy purple sprouting broccoli in crispy tempura batter. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish will make an impressive dinner party starter.
If you or your guests aren't veggie, try our tempura squid.
Broccoli and peanut soba noodles
Our recipe for purple sprouting broccoli and peanut soba noodles is really easy to make and ready in 20 minutes. The zingy sauce gives the broccoli an injection of flavour, whilst the roasted peanuts add a crunchy texture to the dish.
See all our high-protein vegan meals.
Spring salad with purple sprouting broccoli, peas and mozzarella
Celebrating spring's finest produce, this purple sprouting broccoli, pea and mozzarella salad makes for a quick and easy light lunch for two.
Make the most of other seasonal ingredients with our delightful spring recipes.
Griddled purple sprouting broccoli with peppers and walnuts
Red pepper and walnuts make the perfect accompaniments for griddled purple sprouting broccoli in this punchy vegan-friendly recipe.
Use up your bag of walnuts with our wonderful walnut recipes.
Roasted broccoli and feta flatbreads
Vibrant in colour and full of flavour, these roasted purple sprouting broccoli and feta flatbreads make an exciting change from your average midweek meal.
Find lots more ways with budget-friendly chickpeas.
Purple sprouting broccoli, spring onion and goat’s cheese tart
Put purple sprouting broccoli at the centre in this spring tart recipe seasoned with fresh thyme. Serve with a simple green salad for an easy veggie dinner.
For dessert you could try one of our sweet tarts.
Veggie soba noodle pots
In need of some lunch box inspiration? This purple sprouting broccoli recipe with carrot, radish, edamame and soba noodles will brighten up any lunch break. The pots are ready in just 20 minutes, under 500 calories and packed full of flavour.
Here's more healthy ideas for your lunchbox.
Chinese-style purple sprouting broccoli with tofu
Tofu and purple sprouting broccoli make perfect partners in this Chinese-style vegan recipe. Easy to make and under 500 calories, this dish is a delicious after-work dinner.
Find more healthy yet satisfying low-calorie meals.
Orecchiette with purple sprouting broccoli and anchovies
Tangy anchovies, punchy garlic and fiery chilli bring a real kick of flavour to this pasta dish, which is ready in just 20 minutes and comes in at under 500 calories.
For another easy pasta supper, try orecchiette with caramelised onions and anchovies.
Healthy turkey stir-fry with broccoli
Sauerkraut adds a delicious tang to this simple turkey stir-fry, balanced with broccoli, mushrooms, zingy ginger and a sweet-salty sauce that gives an added kick.
Check out all our healthy dinner recipes.
Duck confit with slow-cooked broccoli and blood orange
This dish from Saltine's restaurant takes advantage of the peak mid-winter produce of purple sprouting broccoli and blood oranges, to produce an impressive dish that feels distinctly sunny.
For dessert, you could give our blood orange curd crêpe cake a go.
Charred purple sprouting broccoli with bagna cauda
This is a simple, yet delicious way to enjoy often overlooked purple sprouting broccoli. Serve as a side dish, or toast some bread and pile it on top. You could add a poached egg, too, if you like.
Salsa verde is another delicious green sauce.
Purple sprouting broccoli with anchovy sauce
A pungent garlic and anchovy sauce elevates purple sprouting broccoli to new levels in this vibrant side dish.
Keep things veggie with our best veggie side dishes.
Linguine with purple sprouting broccoli, sesame and chilli
In need of a midweek pick-me-up? This simple pasta dish is a great way to eat purple sprouting broccoli and is bursting with the fresh zingy flavours of chilli and lemon.
Our chilli prawn linguine is another must-try.
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