Broccoli rabe has a bitter edge and sometimes fibrous stalks, both of which are tamed by prolonged cooking. In this classic Italian side dish, the rabe is blanched, then sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and chili pepper flakes until it's well past well-done—at which point it tastes best. It's a recipe that proves that sometimes overcooked vegetables are a very, very good thing.
Ingredients
Kosher salt
1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
4 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Large pinch red pepper flakes
1 pound (450g) broccoli rabe, ends trimmed
Directions
1.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat olive oil with garlic over medium heat until garlic just begins to turn golden, about 2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and toast for about 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
2.
Add broccoli rabe to boiling water and cook until thickest parts of stalks are tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain well. Add rabe to skillet, toss well, and return to medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally and lowering heat as necessary to prevent scorching, until rabe is very tender, about 10 minutes. Season with salt. Serve right away, or continue to cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for up to 20 minutes longer before serving (it just gets better and better).