5 Delicious Broccoli Rabe Recipes to Try Tonight

Broccoli rabe is a vibrant green, leafy vegetable that often goes unnoticed on the dinner table, but it's time to change that. With its unique, slightly bitter taste and a texture that can be tender when cooked, broccoli rabe offers a canvas for culinary creativity. Here, we explore five delectable broccoli rabe recipes that will not only make you a believer in this underappreciated vegetable but also give you dishes to impress any dinner guest or spice up your routine meals.

1. Sauteed Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Chili

If you are looking for simplicity with flavor, this recipe is a must-try.

• 1 bunch of broccoli rabe
• 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Wash the broccoli rabe and trim the tough ends.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add garlic and chili flakes. Cook until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the broccoli rabe, tossing to coat with the garlic oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the leaves to wilt and the stems to soften. Add a splash of water if needed to help steam the rabe.
5. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and lemon zest for a burst of freshness.

✨ Note: Adjust the level of chili flakes to suit your spice preference. This dish can be as mild or as fiery as you like!

2. Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Orecchiette

This classic Italian dish pairs the peppery punch of broccoli rabe with the savory richness of sausage.

• 1 pound orecchiette pasta
• 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed
• 4 Italian sausages (casing removed)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Save 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Blanch broccoli rabe in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes, then drain.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil and sauté sausage, breaking it apart, until browned.
4. Add garlic, cook until fragrant, then add broccoli rabe, sautéing until tender.
5. Mix in pasta, adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional olive oil. Use pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary. Serve with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.

3. Broccoli Rabe and White Bean Soup

A comforting soup that's both nutritious and satisfying:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bunch broccoli rabe, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Freshly grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot, sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add garlic, cook until aromatic, then add broccoli rabe, stirring until slightly wilted.
3. Pour in stock, add beans and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, and let cook for 15 minutes.
4. Season to taste, then serve garnished with Parmesan.

🌱 Note: For a creamier texture, you can blend part of the soup after cooking.

4. Broccoli Rabe Pesto

A versatile sauce that can be used in many dishes:

• 1 bunch broccoli rabe, blanched
• 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine broccoli rabe, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and lemon juice in a food processor.
2. Pulse until well combined, slowly drizzling in olive oil until you achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Use as a spread, toss with pasta, or drizzle over vegetables.

5. Grilled Broccoli Rabe with Lemon Vinaigrette

For an unexpected but delightful grilling experience:

• 1 large bunch of broccoli rabe
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Trim ends off the broccoli rabe, toss with olive oil, and season with salt.
2. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side or until charred and tender.
3. Whisk together vinaigrette ingredients, adjust seasoning, then drizzle over the grilled broccoli rabe.

The array of dishes highlighted here proves that broccoli rabe is more than just a side dish; it's a versatile ingredient that can star in various recipes, from hearty pastas to light, zesty salads. These recipes offer a range of flavors and textures, showcasing the best qualities of this green gem. Experimenting with broccoli rabe can lead to discovering new favorites that you'll want to add to your regular rotation.

What does broccoli rabe taste like?

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Broccoli rabe has a slightly bitter, nutty flavor with a peppery aftertaste. When cooked, it can become tender and sweeter, though the stems maintain some bitterness.

Can you eat raw broccoli rabe?

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While you can eat broccoli rabe raw, it is often preferred cooked to reduce its bitterness. Blanching or sautéing helps mellow out its strong flavor.

How do you store broccoli rabe?

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Store it wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel and keep it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator to maintain freshness. It can last for up to 3-4 days.