THE RECIPE JOURNAL · Side Dish
Italian Broccoli Rabe Delight
This dish brings out the bold, slightly bitter flavor of broccoli rabe with a touch of garlic and olive oil, creating a simple yet satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful side to your favorite pasta.
FROM THE KITCHEN • Italian Broccoli Rabe Delight
01 THE RECIPE
Let's make it.
Follow these steps for a delicious result. Tick off each step as you go.
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01
Step 1
Start by blending together the olive oil, garlic, anchovy paste, and a pinch of salt in a small food processor until you get a smooth paste. Next, trim the broccoli rabe by removing the leaves and cutting off the tough bottom quarter of the stalks. Chop the remaining stalks into bite-sized pieces.
02
Step 2
Fill a large bowl with ice water and set it aside. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then drop in the broccoli rabe. Let it cook for just a minute, then drain it and quickly plunge it into the ice water to stop it from cooking further.
03
Step 3
Once cooled, squeeze out as much water as you can by wrapping the broccoli rabe in cheesecloth and pressing it gently under running water for about 10 minutes. Pat it dry and toss it into a resealable bag along with the anchovy paste and some crushed red pepper flakes. Let it marinate for half an hour to soak up all those flavors.
04
Step 4
While that’s happening, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often until they’re golden and fragrant—this only takes a couple of minutes. Remove them from the pan and lower the heat to medium-low. Add a teaspoon of olive oil, then cook the marinated broccoli rabe until it’s tender and just starting to brown, about 10 minutes.
05
Step 5
Serve it up on a plate, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top, and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy!
Why you’ll love it
This dish combines the slightly bitter flavor of broccoli rabe with savory Italian seasonings, creating a perfect balance of taste. It’s a healthy and vibrant side that adds a fresh, green touch to any meal. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and packed with nutrients.
How to serve
Serve alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or pasta dishes for a delicious contrast. It also works well tossed with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice for a light, flavorful salad.
Storage & leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the greens tender and flavorful. Avoid overcooking when reheating.
