Stir-fried Italian Broccoli Rapini
Loosening the Grip of Ordinary: Broccoli Rabe Steps Up to the Plate
Tired of the same ole' broccoli at your dinner table? Broccoli rabe, a sexier cousin, presents a fresher, bolder alternative. Darker, leafier, and way more rustic, this veggie often shows off with vibrant yellow flowers in the market. Cooked almost year-round, it's time to get your hands on broccoli rabe and experiment with its unique taste and texture.
We think it's only fit for this luscious veggie to find a spot in our Christmas Day Feast, Italian Style gallery!
Intrigued? Here's a stepping stone for your culinary adventure - a deliciously simple sautéed broccoli rabe. For those seeking more inspiration, venture forth into our Basic Skillet Kale, Roasted Broccoli Bagna Cauda, and Spinach with Raisins and Pine Nuts.
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Difficulty: A cinch!
- Total: 15 mins
- Active: 10 mins
Ingredients (6)
- 1 pound broccoli rabe, ends trimmed and sliced into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Ample freshened ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare an ice water bath by filling a bowl halfway with ice and water; set aside. Fill a large pot with heavily salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook the broccoli rabe until the stalks are just tender when pierced with a knife, about 2 minutes.
- Drain the broccoli rabe and place in the ice water bath until cool. Remove, shake off excess water, pat dry with paper towels, and set aside. Store in the refrigerator in a resealable plastic bag lined with paper towels for up to 1 day if cooking is not immediate.
- Place a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add the oil. When it shimmers, add the shallots and cook until golden, about 3 minutes.
- Add the red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper. Add the reserved broccoli rabe and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes. Taste, adjust the seasoning as needed, and serve.
For an Italian twist, try Stanley Tucci's Broccoli Rabe Tropiano Style. Simply sauté the garlic and broccoli rabe in olive oil until perfection!
[1]
For a more substantial meal, wrap roasted broccoli rabe and melty fontina cheese between bread for the Roasted Broccoli Rabe Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
[2]
Or whip up a quick Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta for an Italian-inspired springtime delight.
[4]
But that's not all! Give your taste buds a kick with the spicy Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes.
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References:[1] https://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Stanley-Tuccis-Broccoli-Rabe-Tropiano-Style[2] https://www.thekitchn.com/roasted-broccoli-rabe-grilled-cheese-sandwich-recipe-233772[3] https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/broccoli-rabe-with-garlic-and-red-pepper-flakes[4] https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/03/dining/cacio-e-pepe-pasta-broccoli-rabe.html
- This sautéed broccoli rabe recipe, with its unique taste and texture, is a wonderful addition to any Italian-style meal, such as our Christmas Day Feast.
- For a more Italian twist on the recipe, try adding garlic and cooking it in olive oil until perfection, similar to Stanley Tucci's Broccoli Rabe Tropiano Style.
- If you're looking for a spicy version of the broccoli rabe, try the spicy Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes for a kick that will please your taste buds.
