Braised Broccoli Rabe with Orecchiette

Dr. Weil's Recipe of the Day


Braised Broccoli Rabe with Orecchiette


4 servings

Orecchiette is a small cup-shaped pasta; the word means "little ears". Any type of pasta can be used in this recipe. Broccoli rabe is leafy relative of broccoli; use plain broccoli if you cannot find rabe.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 lb. broccoli rabe, tough stems trimmed
2 tsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried rosemary
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
5 cups canned vegetable broth or water
1/2 lb. orecchiette
Salt & freshly ground black pepper to

taste

Instructions

1. In a small, heavy, dry skillet, toast walnuts over medium heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool.

2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook broccoli rabe until bright green and still crisp, about 1 minute. Drain and refresh under cold running water. Coarsely chop.

3. In a large pot, combine oil, garlic, rosemary and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring, over medium heat, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Add pasta and broccoli rabe. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

4. Serve in shallow bowls, sprinkled with reserved walnuts.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving:
380 calories
8 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
64 g carbohydrate
15 g protein
5 g fiber
115 mg sodium

Ingredient Note
Broccoli rabe is a leafier, pleasantly bitter cousin of broccoli that is just as nutritious.