Planet M Files

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  Here is my green recipe!

Have you ever eaten Broccoli Rabe?  Have you ever heard of it?  I had never had it until I met my husband.  His dad made it for us, served over pasta.  It has an odd flavor.  A flavor that I did not like the first time I had it!  Now it is my favorite leafy green and I always ask for it to be part of my birthday dinner!  (On Wikipedia, they say the flavor has been described as nutty, bitter, pungent and an acquired taste!)

This is a very easy and basic way to prepare Broccoli Rabe.  If you don’t like it’s flavor, try it a second time!  It is worth it.  You might come to love it and request  it as part of your special birthday  dinner each year!

You will need:

1 bunch of broccoli rabe

2 cloves of garlic

olive oil

salt to taste

Broccoli Rabe

• At the store, pick out a bunch of broccoli rabe that looks clean and doesn’t have any old slimy parts on it.  Also try to avoid bunches that have yellow leaves.  Those are old.
• Cut the end of the stalks off and discard.  If the stalks don’t look too woody, you don’t have to cut off as much.

• Wash it really well.  One time I didn’t do a great washing job and ended up with tiny green winged bugs in my cooked deliciousness.  I had to throw it out.
• Put about one inch of water into a pot that it will fit in.  I think this pot is about 3 quarts.
• Add about 3/4 tsp of salt (more or less to taste)
• Cut the broccoli rabe into about 2 inch pieces.
• Put it into the pot and cover.  The broccoli rabe can be heaping, it will shrink a lot when it cooks.
• Heat on the stove on high heat until it comes to a boil and starts to steam.
• Turn down to low, as long as it keeps making steam.
• Open carefully and stir it up after about 7 minutes.
• Let it cook for about 15 minutes total.  Check for doneness by poking a thick part of stem with a fork.  If it’s tender, it’s ready!
• Drain it and pour on the garlic and oil that you have made (below).

Garlic

• While the broccoli rabe is cooking, slice two cloves of garlic.
• Saute them in about 3 tbs of olive oil until they are cooked.  You can also add red pepper flakes to taste if you like things spicy!
• Take it off the heat and wait for the broccoli rabe to be cooked.

You can serve this over pasta or serve it as a side dish.  You can even add cooked sausage!  I hope you like it!

Now, go on over the Kim’s Tasty Tuesday at Forever Wherever to see what else is cooking!