Rapini (Ραπίνι)

Rapini

Rapini, or broccoli rabe, is a delicious way to eat your greens!

This is rapini…or broccoli rabe…or broccoletti...or about a thousand many other names which would tend to have you believe that this lovely green vegetable comes from the broccoli family.  But it doesn’t!  In fact, rapini (that’s what we like to call it around here) is in the mustard family and a member of the Brassica rapa species, in the subspecies rapa…the same subspecies where you would find turnip!  Bet you didn’t see that coming!  In fact, once you taste it, it’s relation to turnip is not that surprising;  both have a peppery bite and a bitterness that is not at all unpleasant when the vegetable is prepared properly.

Rapini
Rapini

Rapini’s vibrant green colour is showcased in leaves which look almost spiked (they are not sharp…don’t worry) and little buds which resemble adorable broccoli heads. Occasionally you may find little yellow flowers within this mess of beautiful green-ness.  No worries, those are edible too, and simply indicate that the rapini you are about to eat was mid-bloom.  Keep in mind however that if it has begun to bolt (that means flowering, for those of you, like us, who are not botanically inclined) it will likely be more bitter than if it were pre-bolt (we’re pretty sure that is not actually a term…but you know what we mean).

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One of the best things about rapini is not only how easy it is to prepare, but how absolutely delicious and nutritious it is.  For very few calories you get a dish which is full of vitamins, particularly vitamins A and C.  Many days, this rapini recipe makes for a delicious side dish, but just as often it becomes a meal in itself, served with a bit of bread and hummus for some added protein.

Rapini
Rapini

Helpful hints:

In the market make sure that the leaves are vibrant, green and fresh looking, with no wilted or yellow leaves mixed in.  Any little broccoli heads should be equally fresh looking.

If you are not going to be eating the rapini right after you cook it, then we suggest you hold off from adding the lemon juice.  If you do add the lemon juice and then let the rapini sit for too long, you can end up with off-coloured rapini.  You can add the olive oil right after it is cooked however, even if you plan to serve it hours later, or even the next day.

Rapini
Rapini

Looking for more simple sides? Check these out:

Broccoli

Sautéed green peppers

Grilled vegetables

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Rapini, or broccoli rabe, is a delicious way to eat your greens.

Rapini

Rapini, or broccoli rabe, is a delicious way to eat your greens!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Mia Kouppa

Equipment

  • Large sauce pot

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch rapini
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
  • juice of one lemon
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Cut off the ends (the last 2 inches) of the rapini, and discard.
  • Wash the rapini well and cut the entire bunch in half, mid-way through the stalk.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil.  Add 1 teaspoon salt to the water.  When the water is boiling add the rapini and cook, covered, over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes.
  • Drain well and rinse with cold water.
  • Serve with freshly squeezed lemon juice and drizzle with olive oil. Add salt to taste.
    2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil, juice of one lemon
  • Enjoy!

Thanks for sharing!

7 Comments

  1. elliebleu says:

    Wonderful tips, especially about using lemon juice at the very end.

  2. I love every recipe and anectode on your blog! It makes Greek cooking much less daunting 🙂 I love rapini and the contrast between bitter and sour when lemon is added. I would love to see a post about “xorta”. My husband’s family is Greek and serves it at every meal but they usually pick their greens from the wild, if ion know what I mean.

    1. miakouppa says:

      Nicole, your comment made us smile and laugh out loud at the same time. First, thank you for your kind and encouraging words…means a lot! As for the horta…do we EVER know what you mean about the wild picking!! When the snow melts and the weeds start growing in our neck of the woods, we will give horta the respect they deserve…complete with picking pictures we hope 😉

  3. I used to have an Italian senior neighbor who used to call me in to his house as I was coming in from work and he would serve me a hot bowl of rapini. Your pictures bring me wonderful memories of his marble table and ceramic white bowls. I had forgotten that his secret ingredient was lemon juice. OK. Italian Greek.. but the warm memories just suddenly came back just looking at your pictures.

    1. miakouppa says:

      That’s wonderful Marina. I’m so happy that you are reminded of fond memories through our posts. That is the best compliment we could receive 😉

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