June 11, 2011



Sautéed Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes (adapted from New Flavors for Vegetables)
1 bunch of broccoli rabe1/4 extra virgin olive oil2-3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakessalt and pepper to taste1/2 lemon
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl with cold water and ice. Trim ends of broccoli rabe and remove any wilted/yellowed leaves. Add broccoli rabe to boiling water and allow to cook for 2 minutes. Drain and immediately plunge in the ice bath (this maintains the bright green color and stops the broccoli rabe from continuing to cook). In a large frying pan over medium heat, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until the garlic softens but doesn’t brown. Add in broccoli rabe to the pan and toss with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Salt and pepper to taste and reduce the heat to a simmer for around 3 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to serving dish. Squeeze 1/2 lemon over the broccoli rabe and serve immediately. 
As I was making this, I realized I didn’t know much about broccoli rabe. Apparently it’s a relative of the turnip. Who knew?! (Wikipedia did).