Step 1
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli rabe and cook it for about 12 minutes, or until the stems are tender. Drain the greens, but be sure to save a cup of the cooking water.
This hearty dish combines the slightly bitter, leafy flavor of broccoli rabe with savory sausage for a perfect balance. It’s quick to prepare and makes a satisfying meal any night of the week.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli rabe and cook it for about 12 minutes, or until the stems are tender. Drain the greens, but be sure to save a cup of the cooking water.
While the broccoli rabe is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook it for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned all over.
Take the sausage out of the pan and set it aside. Toss in the garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the broccoli rabe back into the pan along with the reserved cup of cooking liquid and half of the lemon juice. Give everything a good stir.
Return the sausage to the pan and let it all simmer together for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld. Just before serving, drizzle in the remaining olive oil and lemon juice, stir once more, and enjoy!
- Blanch the broccoli rabe in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before sautéing to reduce bitterness.
- Use a good quality sausage for the best flavor; spicy Italian sausage works well.
- Cook the sausage thoroughly first and use its rendered fat to sauté the greens for extra taste.
This dish combines the slightly bitter, earthy flavor of broccoli rabe with the savory richness of sausage. It’s a delicious balance of tastes and textures that feels both hearty and fresh. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Serve this with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. It also pairs nicely with creamy polenta or roasted potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying out the sausage and greens.