Description
Ina Garten elevates classic broccoli rabe with garlic and olive oil, creating a simple yet sophisticated side dish. Sautéed greens deliver robust flavors you can easily master at home for an authentic Italian-inspired accompaniment.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe (trimmed)
- 4 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) olive oil
- ¼ tsp (1.25 mL) red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges, optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Trim broccoli rabe stems into 3-4 inch segments, removing tough woody portions for optimal tenderness.
- Blanching: Bring salted water to a vigorous boil, submerge broccoli rabe for 2-3 minutes until achieving a brilliant emerald hue, then immediately transfer to ice water bath to halt cooking and preserve vibrant color.
- Draining: Thoroughly strain broccoli rabe in colander, gently patting with towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring crisp texture.
- Flavor Development: Heat extra-virgin olive oil in heavy skillet over medium flame, sauté minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes until golden and aromatic, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Final Cooking: Incorporate blanched broccoli rabe into seasoned skillet, tossing with garlic-infused oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, cooking 5-7 minutes until vegetables reach perfect tenderness and are evenly coated with robust flavors.
Notes
- Trim Technique: Remove tough, woody stems by cutting into uniform 3-4 inch segments for even cooking and tender texture.
- Blanching Basics: Boil in salted water for exactly 2-3 minutes to achieve vibrant green color and maintain crisp-tender consistency.
- Shock and Stop: Immediately transfer to ice water after blanching to halt cooking process and preserve bright color and texture.
- Flavor Infusion: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil until golden to create a rich, aromatic base for the broccoli rabe.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg