Best 7 Italian Style Broccoli Rabe Recipes

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**Discover the Delightful Medley of Italian-Style Broccoli Rabe Recipes**

Embark on a culinary journey to savor the distinct flavors of Italian-style broccoli rabe, a versatile vegetable celebrated for its unique bitterness and peppery notes. This collection of recipes showcases the diverse culinary expressions of broccoli rabe, from traditional Italian preparations to creative modern dishes. Whether you prefer a quick sauté, a hearty soup, or a flavorful pasta, these recipes offer a symphony of textures and tastes to tantalize your palate. Get ready to explore the depths of this remarkable vegetable and elevate your meals with the vibrant spirit of Italian cuisine.

**Recipes Featured:**

* **Sautéed Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Olive Oil:** Simplicity meets flavor in this classic sautéed broccoli rabe dish. With just a few ingredients, you can create a vibrant side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, fish, or pasta.

* **Broccoli Rabe Soup with Parmesan and Croutons:** Indulge in a comforting and wholesome bowl of broccoli rabe soup, where the vegetable's unique bitterness is balanced by the richness of Parmesan cheese and the crunch of homemade croutons.

* **Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage:** Experience the rustic charm of orecchiette pasta tossed with sautéed broccoli rabe and savory sausage. This hearty and flavorful dish is a delightful representation of southern Italian cuisine.

* **Broccoli Rabe Pesto:** Transform broccoli rabe into a vibrant and versatile pesto, perfect for spreading on sandwiches, tossing with pasta, or drizzling over grilled vegetables. Its unique flavor profile adds a delightful twist to classic pesto recipes.

* **Roasted Broccoli Rabe with Lemon and Pine Nuts:** Discover a symphony of flavors in roasted broccoli rabe tossed with zesty lemon, toasted pine nuts, and a touch of garlic. This simple yet elegant dish is a delightful side or appetizer.

* **Broccoli Rabe and Potato Frittata:** Embrace the versatility of broccoli rabe in this hearty frittata, where it combines with potatoes, eggs, and Parmesan cheese to create a satisfying and nutritious meal.

* **Broccoli Rabe and White Bean Salad:** Experience the refreshing combination of broccoli rabe, white beans, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy dressing in this vibrant salad. Its colorful presentation and light flavors make it a perfect summer dish.

* **Broccoli Rabe Pizza with Pancetta and Mozzarella:** Elevate your pizza night with a unique and savory broccoli rabe topping, complemented by crispy pancetta and melted mozzarella cheese. This gourmet pizza is a true crowd-pleaser.

* **Broccoli Rabe and Shrimp Stir-Fry:** Embark on an Asian-inspired culinary adventure with this stir-fry featuring broccoli rabe, succulent shrimp, and a flavorful sauce. Its vibrant colors and aromatic blend of spices create a delightful symphony of flavors.

* **Broccoli Rabe and Ricotta Stuffed Shells:** Indulge in a delightful combination of broccoli rabe, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stuffed into delicate pasta shells and baked to perfection. This elegant dish is sure to impress your dinner guests.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

SAUTEED BROCCOLI RABE {SAUTEED RAPINI}



Sauteed Broccoli Rabe {Sauteed Rapini} image

Are you tired of conventional steamed spinach or broccoli side? This sauteed broccoli rabe will give you the perfect variety to classic healthy green sides.

Provided by Italian Recipe Book

Categories     Side Dish

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 bunch broccoli rabe ((rapini))
2-3 garlic cloves
Pinch peperoncino (chili flakes ½ inch fresh hot pepper)
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste

Steps:

  • Start by washing broccoli rabe under cold running water.Remove all yellow and dull leaves.Trim off the bottoms of the stems to remove tough and fibrous part.If some of the stems are still thick don't cut them off further but split the end with a knife until the stems thins out a bit. This will ensure your greens are cooked evenly.
  • If after cleaning and trimming the stalks are still too long, cut them in half. Also chop them coarsely if you plan to use it for pasta.
  • In a large pan or a wok add a generous splash of extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves crushed with a flat knife and a pinch of peperoncino flakes.If you like to feel a strong garlic taste you can slice or chop garlic cloves instead of just using as whole.Let cook until garlic starts to become fragrant.
  • Add broccoli rabe and cover the pan with a lid.Saute over medium heat for about 5 minutes occasionally giving them a turn.
  • Add salt, lower the heat and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.Sauteed rapini are done when the stalks still have a crunch to them.
  • Serve as a side dish or add to pasta, polenta, farinata and sandwiches.

ITALIAN-STYLE GARLICKY BROCCOLI RABE



Italian-Style Garlicky Broccoli Rabe image

Some would say that broccoli rabe is an acquired taste because of its' bitterness. Try this recipe for Italian-style garlicky broccoli rabe to be converted.

Provided by Maria Vannelli RD

Categories     sides

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 bunch broccoli rabe
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
pinch red chili flakes (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
parmesan cheese (optional)
olive oil for drizzling

Steps:

  • Trim the stems, anywhere from 1-2 inches.
  • Wash broccoli rabe properly.
  • Cook broccoli rabe in a large pot of salted boiling water until tender for approximately 5-7 minutes.
  • Drain and squeeze in order to remove as much of the liquid as possible.
  • Over medium heat, drizzle olive oil in a large skillet.
  • Sauté minced garlic and chili flakes for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the broccoli rabe and saute for 3-5 minutes or until tender.
  • Season.
  • Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
  • Place on serving dish and drizzle with olive oil.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 113 kcal, Carbohydrate 2 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 11 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Sodium 38 mg, Fiber 1 g

ITALIAN-STYLE BROCCOLI RABE



Italian-Style Broccoli Rabe image

Garlic, lemon, and the nutty bitterness of broccoli rabe are a wonderful combination. I'm deathly allergic to tree nuts, but this Italian side dish smelled so good the first time I encountered it, I called my doctor the next day to find out if pine nuts are actually nuts. He didn't know. I went back and ate it anyway. Turns out pine nuts are seeds, by the way.

Provided by Brian Genest

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

½ cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
½ teaspoon salt
3 bunches broccoli rabe, trimmed
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ cup pine nuts
1 wedge lemon

Steps:

  • Combine 1/2 cup olive oil, garlic, anchovy paste, and salt in the bowl of a small food processor; blend into a paste.
  • Remove leaves from broccoli rabe and cut off and discard the bottom 1/4 of the stalks. Cut remaining stalks into pieces.
  • Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add broccoli rabe and cook uncovered for 1 minute. Drain in a colander and immediately immerse in the ice water for several minutes to stop the cooking process. Drain. Wrap broccoli rabe in cheesecloth, place in a strainer, and run under water for 10 minutes. Periodically press the rabe to "wring out" any bitter fluids. Pat dry and transfer to a resealable bag. Add anchovy paste and crushed red peppers; marinate for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, toast pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until browned and fragrant but not burned, about 2 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-low and add 1 teaspoon olive oil to the skillet. Add broccoli rabe and cook until fork tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
  • Transfer to a plate, top with pine nuts, and drizzle with lemon juice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 269 calories, Carbohydrate 8.1 g, Cholesterol 0.4 mg, Fat 24.6 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 332.4 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

SICILIAN-STYLE BROCCOLI RABE



Sicilian-Style Broccoli Rabe image

This is the way broccoli rabe was meant to be cooked. This goes great with a nice steak or fish. Serve with crusty Italian bread and some good vino. The best part is dipping the crusty bread in those juices. Buon appetito!

Provided by iMakeItRainInTheKitchen

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 bunch broccoli rabe, ends trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 clove garlic, very thinly sliced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons water
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

  • Cut thick, lower stems off broccoli rabe and peel. Reserve florets and leaves.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes; saute until fragrant, about 45 seconds. Add stems; saute until coated with oil, about 45 seconds. Pour in water; continue cooking until stems are mostly tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in florets, leaves, and salt. Cover skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer broccoli rabe and its juices to a serving bowl. Top with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 78.1 calories, Carbohydrate 3 g, Fat 6.8 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 2.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 137.3 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

ITALIAN-STYLE BROCCOLI



Italian-Style Broccoli image

With just a handful of ingredients, this side comes together in a jiffy. Coupled with the ravioli, it's a menu that might just make you fall in love, Italian-style! -Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, KS

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1-1/2 pounds fresh broccoli, cut into 2-inch spears
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, saute onion in oil for 2-3 minutes or until onion is tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 8-10 minutes or until broccoli is crisp-tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 114 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 341mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

ITALIAN COMBO AND BROCCOLI RABE PRESSED HERO



Italian Combo and Broccoli Rabe Pressed Hero image

Together, broccoli rabe and roast pork make a Philadelphia classic. In our twist, we substitute spicy deli meats as a partner to the bracing greens.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 4h25m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 bunch (about 1-1/4 pounds) broccoli rabe, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup sliced pickled hot cherry peppers, roughly chopped, plus 3 tablespoons of their pickling liquid
1 large sesame semolina loaf (about 14-by-4-inches and about 10 ounces)
1/3 pound thinly sliced provolone
1/4 pound thinly sliced prosciutto
1/4 pound thinly sliced salami
1/4 pound thinly sliced mortadella

Steps:

  • Put the 1/4 cup olive oil and the garlic slices in a large skillet and place over medium heat. When the garlic starts to turn a light golden brown, add the broccoli rabe, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Stir to coat evenly in the oil. Cover the skillet with a lid and turn the heat down to low. Cook until the broccoli rabe stems are just tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Uncover and turn the heat up to medium-high. Stir in the cherry pepper pickling liquid and cook until the pan is dry, an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
  • Slice the semolina loaf horizontally and lay the two halves cut-side up. Pull out some of the bread from both halves (reserve for another use), leaving a 1/2--inch border. Drizzle both halves with some olive oil. Spread half of the broccoli rabe on the bottom half. Layer on the cherry peppers, provolone, prosciutto, salami, mortadella, the remaining broccoli rabe and the top half of bread. Wrap tightly in parchment, wax paper or plastic wrap and tie with twine if necessary. Place a brick (see Cook's Note) or cast-iron skillet on top for at least 3 hours to flatten, refrigerated. About 45 minutes before serving, bring the sandwich to room temperature.

SAUTEED BROCCOLI RABE



Sauteed Broccoli Rabe image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 bunches (12 to 16 ounces each) broccoli rabe (rapini), stems trimmed
1/4 cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
1/3 cup raisins
Salt
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Steps:

  • Working in batches, cook the broccoli rabe in a large pot of boiling salted water until crisp tender, about 1 minute per bunch. Transfer the broccoli rabe to a large bowl of ice water to cool. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. Strain the cooled broccoli rabe and set aside.
  • Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and saute until the garlic is golden, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the broccoli rabe and toss to coat. Add the reserved cooking water, the raisins, and cook until the broccoli rabe is heated through and the stems are tender, about 4 minutes. Season with salt, to taste. Just before serving, toss the mixture with the pine nuts.

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Broccoli Rabe: Select tender broccoli rabe with bright green florets and firm stems. Avoid wilted or yellowing leaves.
  • Wash Thoroughly: Rinse the broccoli rabe under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat dry with paper towels.
  • Trim and Cut: Trim the tough ends of the stems and cut the broccoli rabe into 2-3 inch pieces.
  • Use a Large Pan: Choose a large pan or skillet to ensure the broccoli rabe has enough space to cook evenly.
  • Don't Overcook: Broccoli rabe should be cooked until tender but still slightly crisp. Overcooking can make it mushy.
  • Season Generously: Don't be afraid to season the broccoli rabe with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices. This will enhance its flavor.
  • Add Acid: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can brighten up the flavor of the broccoli rabe.
  • Serve Immediately: Broccoli rabe is best served immediately after cooking. This will preserve its vibrant color and texture.

Conclusion:

Broccoli rabe is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer it sautéed, roasted, or incorporated into pasta dishes, this leafy green is sure to impress. Its slightly bitter flavor and tender-crisp texture make it a unique and delicious addition to any meal. So next time you're looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish, give Italian-style broccoli rabe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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