I don’t know about you, but I’m always a sucker for any new “superfood.” Any way you can get a ton of vitamins without putting in a ton of effort is a dream come true to me! Luckily for us, after being stuck in the shadow of its fellow superfoods for too long, Broccoli Rabe has earned its way up into the spotlight.

Broccoli Rabe is rich in Vitamins A, B, C, K, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids; so why not find some unique ways to incorporate it into your diet? Don’t let the name fool you into thinking this unique vegetable is anything like broccoli. Broccoli Rabe has a unique and sophisticated taste, and as we’ve previously reported, you can get it already pre-washed and ready to use. What could be easier than that?! Sharp and flavorful, Broccoli Rabe is a perfect foil for other strong flavorings like citrus, sausage, and beef.

Here’s a few of my favorite ways to bring Broccoli Rabe to the table…

Broccoli Rabe and Citrus Salad

A bolder way of serving Broccoli Rabe is to take it back to its Sicilian roots while adding a fresh twist. This salad is simple to make, but will elicit a big response from those traditionalists accustomed to pairing their greens with sausages or pasta. The pungent buzz of Broccoli Rabe paired with cool slices of citrus is a really refreshing change, especially in the winter months. If you’re looking for a course to spark the appetite before a meal, or for a palate refresher between courses, definitely consider this uncommon coupling. The pleasantly sharp Broccoli Rabe and the astringent notes of the citrus will definitely call for some young pecorino shavings on top. As if you needed an excuse!

Pizza with Broccoli Rabe & Sausage

When I’m cooking at home, one of my go-to quick dishes to make is pizza. One topped with Broccoli Rabe and sausage is both unique enough to impress guests and substantial enough to satisfy those “meat and potato” type eaters, making it a real crowd pleaser. Using a quality store bought dough will make this a fast and easy recipe, but you can also customize it for some extra applause from your eaters. All you’ll need to do is toss sautéed sausage with the cooked greens and top the pie. The children will love the idea of having pizza for dinner, and you can feel good too knowing that they’ll be eating their veggies.

Beef and Broccoli Rabe Quick-Fry

A healthier way to eat beef and satisfy your takeout cravings at the same time is to fire up an Asian style quick-fry dish. Broccoli Rabe can be the perfect substitute for the greens that are traditionally used throughout Asia. This new, gingery take with a sweet-and-salty allure has less oil so you can save your calories for the cold beer you use to accompany your dish. Most of the effort is in the preparation of ingredients, but the actual cooking is quick and easy enough to do on a weeknight. Use the largest heavy skillet you have, at least twelve inches in diameter. Have a bowl of freshly-made white rice warm and ready to serve before you begin the actual cooking to speed up the process!

For information on the health benefits of Broccoli Rabe and even more recipes, visit D'Arrigo's Broccoli Rabe page.

D'Arrigo