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Cooked broccoli rabe in a copper and stainless steel pan with slivers of garlic.
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Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Broccoli rabe is also known as "rapini."
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: Side Dish, Vegetable
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Broccoli Rabe, Rapini
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 61kcal
Author: Anna

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
  • 2 bunches broccoli rabe
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • Hot pepper flakes, a pinch if you want it mild, many pinches if you want it spicier

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. (Use about a Tablespoon of salt.)
  • While the water is coming to a boil, cut the thick stems off the broccoli rabe just below the first leaf, then cut the broccoli rabe into two-inch long pieces. (You can cook the whole stem, which I think makes a nicer presentation, but it will be easier to eat in smaller bites.)
  • Put the broccoli rabe into the boiling water for 3 minutes.
  • After 3 minutes strain in a colander and rinse with very cold water to stop the cooking.
  • Spin dry in a salad spinner or wring the moisture out of the broccoli rabe using a clean dish towel. Or if you do this part early in the day, you can lay the stems out on a clean, dry dish towel.
  • Heat a large sauté pan on medium heat, then add the olive oil.
  • Once the olive oil is shimmering, add the garlic and the pepper flakes. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant, but not browned.
  • Add the Broccoli Rabe and the salt and toss to coat the rapini with the oil. Cook for 10 minutes until tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally. (Sometimes I find I need to add a bit more oil.)
  • Remove from heat, add salt to taste, and more red pepper flakes if you desire, and serve.

Notes

Gr8 Do Ahead Tips:
  • You can prepare the Broccoli Rabe up through Step 5 and sauté when ready to serve.
  • You can also, prepare the whole dish up to two hours ahead of time and serve at room temperature or gently re-warm over low heat.
Gr8 Serving Tips:
Vince loves to make a sandwich using the leftovers; Italian or French bread, broccoli rabe, mozzarella cheese or ricotta cheese, tomatoes and olive oil.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 219mg | Potassium: 156mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1975IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @Great8Friends or tag #gr8food!