Broccoli With Pancetta And Lemon

Description

Source: Christmas With Southern Living 2003 - Southern Living

Pancetta is an Italian bacon that is cured and spiced, but not smoked. The bacon, garlic, and lemon make plain broccoli great.

Ingredients

• 4 (12-ounce) packages broccoli florets
• 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
• 1/4 pound pancetta, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Bring several quarts of water to a boil in a large Dutch oven.
2. Add broccoli florets, and simmer 2 minutes until crisp-tender. (Cook in batches, if necessary.)
3. Drain and plunge broccoli into a bowl of ice water to stop cooking process.
4. Drain and pat dry.
5. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add half of pancetta and half of garlic; sauté 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned.
7. Add half of broccoli florets, and sauté 2 to 3 minutes until thoroughly heated.
8. Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon salt; toss well.
9. Transfer to a large bowl; cover and keep warm.
10. Repeat procedure with remaining 3 tablespoons butter and remaining half of ingredients.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Yield: 16 servings.