Vegetable Spotlight: Broccoli Rabe

Also know as rapini, broccoli rabe is the leafier, longer, and nuttier cousin to the broccoli you probably grew up eating.  Broccoli rabe is normally slightly bitter when raw, but after sautéed or roasted, it readily absorbs the flavors you add to it. Garlic, balsamic, or your favorite spice blend will easily transform this vegetable. This makes it the perfect side dish, as its bold flavor complements any main dish well.  

Besides being delicious, broccoli rabe is also very nutritious. It's packed with Vitamin A, C, and K, as well as potassium, calcium, and iron. Furthermore, Vitamin B sneaks into broccoli rabe’s repertoire, adding protection against heart disease and birth defects. 

Feeling inspired by Broccoli Rabe? Well you should be! Check out a few ways you can prepare this vegetable, including one of our own recipes:

Boiled: with balsamic brown butter

Sautéed: with prosciutto, caramelized onions, and mushrooms

Roasted: with garlic and almonds

Broccoli Rabe Bruschetta
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
Seven Stars Baguette*
Narragansett Creamery Queso Blanco, sliced*
2 T parmesan cheese, grated
1 bunch broccoli rabe*
1/2 C yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 t paprika
2 t garlic powder
1 t salt
1 t pepper
Olive oil

*From this week's share

Method
1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Slice baguette into 1 in. pieces and place on baking sheet
3. Drizzle olive oil over bread, then bake for 10 mins
4. Meanwhile, add onion and garlic to a skillet and cook over medium heat until onions become translucent
5. Add salt, pepper, garlic power, and paprika to skillet, then stir to combine
6. Add broccoli rabe, stir, and place lid on skillet. Turn heat to low and let simmer for 5 mins
7. After removing baguette slices from oven, flip them over and add a slice of Queso Blanco cheese to each slice
8. Return to oven and bake until cheese is melted, about 7 mins
9. Stir parmesan cheese into broccoli rabe mixture, then remove from heat
10. Add a heaping spoonful of broccoli rabe topping to each slice of baguette, and enjoy! 

Cover image: Popsugar