Farmer’s Markets are just great in the summer, aren’t they? The abundance of produce with vibrant colours provides the perfect motivation to cook up a storm. In an attempt to get inspired, I visited a local “market” this week-end. As soon as I laid my eyes on the rapini, I knew I had to make Italian-Style Garlicky Broccoli Rabe.
I’m guessing right now that there are some of you who love this stuff, some who hate it and some who have no idea what I’m talking about. So let’s start with identifying this vegetable.
Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini (in Italian) is a member of the cabbage family. It has a 6 to 9 inch stalk and a few broccoli-like clusters. This green vegetable distinguishes itself from the rest because of its bitter taste — perhaps an acquired taste. Chances are that if you are a fan of arugula, you will like broccoli rabe.
So now that we know what broccoli rabe is, what do we do with it?
Well, this is how I was taught to prepare rapini. The first thing you need to do is trim the stems, taking off anywhere from 1-2 inches, the goal being to remove as much of the tough stalk as possible. Then, just like any other vegetable, it needs to be washed. Once that’s done, you need to cook it in a large pot of boiling, salted water until tender. Remove the broccoli rabe from the water and drain. Try to squeeze out (with your hands) as much water as possible. Apparently, this process removes some of the bitterness.
This bold tasting vegetable can be served with pasta for a quick meal (if interested take a look at this family recipe for Homemade Italian Broccoli Rabe Cavatelli Pasta); it can be used in a soup; as a topping for pizza; in a sandwich and my personal favorite: stir fried with lots of garlic.
ORIGINS OF THE RECIPE FOR Italian-Style Garlicky Broccoli Rabe:
Broccoli rabe would make an appearance on the supper table at least once a week when I was a teenager, just like Swiss chard. I would encourage you to try out this Italian-style garlicky broccoli rabe — this stuff really does grow on you. Let me know if you love it or hate it, but at least you can’t say you’re confused by it anymore!
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- pinch red chili flakes (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
- parmesan cheese (optional)
- olive oil for drizzling
- Trim the stems, anywhere from 1-2 inches.
- Wash broccoli rabe properly.
- Cook broccoli rabe in a large pot of salted boiling water until tender for approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Drain and squeeze in order to remove as much of the liquid as possible.
- Over medium heat, drizzle olive oil in a large skillet.
- Sauté minced garlic and chili flakes for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Stir in the broccoli rabe and saute for 3-5 minutes or until tender.
- Season.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Place on serving dish and drizzle with olive oil.
Thanks for dropping by.
Ciao for now!
Maria 🙂
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT TO YOUR SIDE DISH AND VEGETABLES BOARD!
Follow She Loves Biscotti for more simple and healthy recipes 🙂
Yum! This looks absolutely delicious. I have not tried broccoli rabe once or twice and found it bitter, but your preparation sounds so good… anything with 3 cloves of garlic is a winner for me. Will definitely try this recipe!
Hi Meaghan,
Hope you like it! Appreciate you stopping by:)
My daughter loves Broccoli Rabe! This will be a great way to serve it this weekend. Thx!
Wonderful! Appreciate your comment, thanks 🙂
I love Broccoli Rabe too. Really delicious. Beautiful photos, Maria
Thanks Kim! Appreciate the comment 🙂
I can eat rapini 7 days a week, love the texture and taste, and all infused with the garlic, olive oil, and some sea salt and cracked pepper, not forgetting a nice rustic bread, or better yet layer it in a fresh pita and roll it. Now that’s a wrap!
I totally agree!!! Thanks for dropping by Loreto 🙂
This is my favourite way to prepare regular ‘ole broccoli too! You can’t go wrong with garlic and parmesan.
I agree Nicole… best way to eat your greens! Appreciate you taking the time to comment 🙂
Love, the recipe, can’t wait to make them
Fantastic Donna! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
Are you supposed to throw away the leafs? Or can you eat pretty much all of it? This will be my first time cooking with it.
Good question Rita …all of the broccoli rabe is edible -so leaves, stalks and flower heads. My favorite part is the flower head 😉 Hope you like this vegetable! Thanks so much for dropping by 🙂
Ciao, been eating this for many years, just happened to pick up this sight.
I wish you were my neighbor, i’m italian but no one in my area that appreciates the real food. Ciao Ciao!
Joanne
Thanks Joanne! This is definitely one of my favorite recipes… so glad that you found me 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to comment. Have a great week-end!
I Love Garlicky Broccilirob with lightly salted Ritz Crackers…so so Good….
Interesting texture and flavor combination… must give it a try! Thanks for dropping by James 🙂