Broccoli Raab & Garlic Pasta

Though the farm is covered in snow I’ve been hungry for spring greens. I recently bought some broccoli raab from the grocery store so I could do some pre-season practice cooking. I can’t wait to cook our own broccoli raab that’s due for harvest in May. Here’s to looking forward to Tinicum CSA’s 2014 season! Enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 1lb broccoli raab, chopped
  • 1lb pasta (whatever shape you like)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 5 cloves of garlic, minced (could be replaced with 2 garlic scapes, finely chopped)
  • 1/2tsp. crushed red pepper (or more)
  • 1tsp. sea salt
  • 3/4 cup of grated parmesan & cheddar
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Preparation

    1. Rinse the Broccoli Raab.

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    2. In a large pot begin to boil water.

    3. Cut away the the end stems of the broccoli raab. (optional, most of the stems are tender enough to eat)

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    4. Chop the broccoli raab and set aside.

    Chopped Broccoli Rabe

    5. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper, and salt. Since I didn’t have any crushed red pepper on hand, I used a 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper.

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    6. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta.

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    7. In the last 5 minutes of cooking the pasta, stir in your chopped broccoli raab. Don’t worry it’ll cook down. Remember not to over cook the broccoli raab. I had it cooking for about 2 minutes instead of 5.

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    8. In a small frying pan, warm the olive oil garlic mixture and lightly cook until the garlic is brown.

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    9. Drain the pasta and broccoli raab and return to the cooking pot or a serving dish. Pour the garlic olive oil over the pasta and mix with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle with grated parmesan. I used some cheddar as well. Grind the black pepper over all and you’re ready to eat!

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    Note: This recipe comes from the Smitten Kitchen here.

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