This easy roasted broccoli rabe recipe consists of just 3 ingredients and offers a delicious dairy, nut, and gluten-free dish that can be enjoyed as part of a meal or snack.
Prepare the broccoli rabe by rinsing it under cold running water, drying it with a pat, and setting it aside. Next, peel the garlic using a garlic peeler and use a garlic press to mash it. Then, set the mashed garlic aside.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Take a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper or a reusable roasting mat.
In a large bowl add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 3 cloves of peeled mashed garlic. Mix the ingredients together. Then set the bowl aside.
Separate the broccoli rabe bunch into separate stalks.
Using kitchen scissors or a sharp paring knife cut one inch off the bottom of one stalk. Continue until all the pieces of broccoli rabe are trimmed.
Take the trimmed broccoli rabe pieces and lay them in a flat layer on the covered baking sheet.
Dip a basting brush into the olive and garlic mixture and brush onto each of the broccoli rabe pieces until they are well covered and no longer have dry parts.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and let roast broccoli rabe until it crisps and browns. This should be about 10-15 minutes.
Let cool for 4 minutes and enjoy.
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Notes
This section gives an overview of recipe tips, additions, substitutions, and variations, as well as nutritional content and how to store and reheat leftovers.
Recipe tips
For a perfectly crispy and flavorful roasted broccoli rabe:
Preheat the oven to the specified temperature for ideal crispness.
Trim off the tough ends from broccoli rabe stems for tender roasting.
Use a garlic press* to release garlic's natural oils for enhanced flavor.
Evenly coat the broccoli rabe with the olive oil and garlic mixture.
Avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet to prevent steaming.
Keep a close eye on the oven; it crisps quickly in 10-15 minutes.
Serve promptly to enjoy hot, crispy broccoli rabe.
Follow these tips for the best-roasted broccoli rabe.
Recipe additions/substitutions/variations
This section will go over recipe additions, substitutions, and variations for roasted broccoli rabe.
Additions
Here are some ideas for recipe additions.
A dash of salt and pepper before roasting
Sprinkle of red pepper flakes before or after roasting
Drizzle of lemon juice and/or lemon zest after cooking
A pinch of vegan parmesan or Pecorino Romano
Top with a serving of toasted nuts or seeds
Add some cherry tomatoes before roasting
Balsamic reduction after cooking
Crispy bacon on top
A small handful of golden raisins
Extra whole garlic cloves
Pineapple chunks before roasting
Crispy shallots
Caramelized onions
Please know that any recipe add-ons will affect the overall flavor, texture, and nutritional content.
Substitutions
You can adapt this recipe in several ways:Using frozen broccoli rabe: If fresh broccoli rabe is unavailable, you can use frozen broccoli rabe, but make sure to thaw and drain it before using it in the recipe.Broccoli rabe substitutes: If broccoli rabe is not available, consider alternatives like turnip greens, mustard greens, escarole, Chinese broccoli, dandelion greens, collard greens, or broccolini.Garlic Substitutes: Instead of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or garlic paste. Adjust quantities to your taste (1 clove = 1/8 tsp garlic powder or 1/2 tsp garlic paste).Oil substitutes: Swap olive oil for avocado, coconut, almond, or walnut oil, each gives its own unique flavor to the dish.Remember, any substitutions may affect the dish's taste, texture, and nutritional content, so choose accordingly to achieve your desired outcome.
Variations
Recipe variations include the following: Stalk size: You can choose to keep the broccoli rabe stalks whole or chop them into smaller pieces before brushing on the olive and garlic mixture.Garlic choices: You have options like using a garlic press* for easy preparation, mincing garlic for a milder flavor, or even roasting whole garlic cloves for a unique taste.Recipe variations: You can explore variations like
Pesto-covered broccoli rabe
Mediterranean-flavored seasoning with herbs and olives
Broccoli rabe wrapped with prosciutto
Feel free to experiment with these variations or create your own to suit your taste preferences. Keep in mind that any changes will impact the dish's flavor, texture, and nutrition.
How to store leftovers
Here are the details on what to do with leftovers: Store any leftover roasted broccoli rabe in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge for 3 to 7 days.Note that the crispness of the broccoli rabe may diminish during storage. However, the delicious flavors will still be present in the dish.
How to reheat leftovers
When reheating leftover roasted broccoli rabe, you have several options:
Oven/Toaster Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5 to 10 minutes on a baking sheet.
Air Fryer: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes in the air fryer basket, preheating if needed.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish with a lid on medium for 1 to 2 minutes, this cooking method may not maintain its crispiness.
Grill/Grill Pan: Grill on medium-high heat for a few minutes until hot and slightly charred, adding a smoky flavor.
Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet or pan, heat over medium-high heat with a bit of oil, and stir-fry for a few minutes until heated through.
Please note that reheating may result in a slight reduction in crispiness, but methods like using the oven, stovetop, or grill can help partially restore it.