Aspiration, also known as broccolini, is a wonderful green vegetable which was produced by crossing Chinese Broccoli with traditional broccoli. It has a long, edible stem and is topped by tender broccoli-like florets. Due to its mild, pleasant flavor, broccolini has more of an appeal than traditional broccoli. The name confusion will eventually be solved by the giants in the vegetable world, but for now, buy it under any name because it is really a great vegetable! Any method that works with broccoli will work with aspirations. I chose this for my Game Day trio since this dish will please the meat eaters as well as vegetarians at your house!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 quarts of water
• 1 large bowl of ice water
• 2 bunches aspirations
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 container Sabra Hummus (available in our deli)

PREPARATION

Bring 2 quarts of water to boil over high heat in a large saucepan. Reduce heat to medium. Remove rubber bands form the aspirations and place in the boiling water. Simmer for 2 to 4 minutes depending on your preference for cooking green vegetables. Remove from pan and immediately plunge in ice water. When completely cooled, remove from ice water and drain well. In a large bowl, toss aspirations with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Remove hummus from container and place in the middle of a large platter. Arrange the aspirations around edge of platter. Serve cold.