Broccoli Rabe also known as Rapini is a green cruciferous vegetable. It has a pungent flavor, slightly bitter, but very healthy for you. It is particularly associated with Southern Italian cuisine. You have to acquire a taste for it, but once you do, you will love it. It is delicious with Italian sausage, or by itself as a side dish. Today, I will share with you, a very simple method of cooking, one that will help preserve its beautiful greenish color.  This method will also help retain its vitamins.

Ingredients: 

•   1 head of Broccoli rabe
•   6 garlic cloves, chopped
•   2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Preparation: 

1) Wash the broccoli rabe thoroughly. Chop off the thick stems at the bottom, and discard them. Rough chop the leaves and buds. Set aside.

2) Over medium-high heat, in a medium sized pot,  heat up olive oil, sautee the garlic until it releases its aromas. Drop the chopped broccoli rabe, give it a couple of stirs. Cover and let it steam in its own juices for about 4-5 minutes.  Voila! You will have perfectly cooked Broccoli Rabe. If you overcook it, it will be wilted, and not have the same health benefits.

Happy Cooking!