Another broccoli rabe recipe
If you’re worried about eating this bitter veggie straight up, try it in the context of a recipe! Might we suggest this White Beans on Toast recipe? It pairs garlicky, savory white beans and aged Parmesan cheese with broccoli rabe, which play off the bitterness perfectly. Alex and I love bitter flavors, so we enjoyed this recipe for broccoli rabe, also known as rapini. Keep in mind it’s best to get a bunch that is young and tender as possible, to make for a mellow flavor. Spritzed with lemon and broiled with a little garlic: it’s pretty darn tasty! Here’s how to cook it.
Broccoli rabe is actually not broccoli. It’s more closely related to a turnip than broccoli (or broccolini). They’re all part of the same larger family called cruciferous vegetables. That family includes veggies like kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli. Rabe is pronounced “Rob.” Just like a guy’s name! The Italian name is rapini. You might find it in Italian cuisine like pasta, sauteed with sausage, on a pizza or sandwich, or in soups and stews. The flavor is bitter. If you don’t like bitter flavors, stay away from broccoli rabe! This veggie is also nice offset with some sweeter, savory or tangy flavors in a recipe.
Find plants that are young and tender, not too mature. When you’re shopping, you might not have a lot of options. If you can, steer toward broccoli rabe that is younger and tender. Very mature plants can be even more bitter. Of course, there’s no way to know…until you eat it! Don’t chop too much: simply remove the bottom stem! Chopping the broccoli rabe can cause the plant to become event more bitter. So remove just the very tough bottom stem only. Don’t chop the leaves or florets! Serve with other flavors to compliment. This recipe uses lemon juice, but you can also add sweetness or other savory flavors.
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Other best side dish recipes!
Broccoli rabe is one of a huge host of the best vegetables you can eat. Here are some of our favorite ways to eat them vegetable side dishes: No reviews
Best Ever Sauteed Kale The best way to eat this healthy leafy green! Scented with garlic and cooked in olive oil until tender, you’ll want to eat it every day. Roasted Broccoli Tastes SO GOOD you can’t stop sneaking bites! It’s charred until tender, then spritzed with lemon juice. Best Ever Sauteed Mushrooms Here’s THE perfect sauteed mushrooms recipe! It brings out the best savory flavor with lemon and fresh herbs. Peas with Lemon 5 minutes! Cooking frozen peas with garlic and lemon makes them taste incredible. Sauteed Spinach (That Tastes Amazing) Wow, this sauteed spinach really does taste amazing! It’s scented with garlic and lemon.
