Broccoli Rabe

The concept for tonight’s dinner comes from three different recipes – all of which paired broccoli rabe with crushed red peppers. In our house, that’s pretty much a given because we like spicy, but other things caught my eye.

Raisins and pine nuts in one, polenta in another, and a balsamic vinegar sauce in a third.

I went to work…

Right off the bat, polenta out. Bay scallops and langostino in, along with the raisins and pine nuts. And the last of the roasted garlic Victor did the other day. I had half a fennel bulb and half a leek in the ‘fridge, so they came into the mix, as well. Balsamic vinegar sauce out, but a drizzle of good quality balsamic vinegar, in. Cooking is definitely an adventure around here.

Broccoli Rabe with Bay Scallops and Langostino

for the broccoli rabe:

  • 1 bunch broccoli rabe
  • 1/2 leek, chopped
  • 1/2 bulb fennel, chopped
  • 4 roasted garlic cloves
  • 1 heaping teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 2/3 cup white wine
  • olive oil
  • butter
  • salt and pepper
  • good quality balsamic vinegar

for the scallops and langostino:

  • 6 oz bay scallops
  • 6 oz langostino
  • thyme
  • garlic powder
  • olive oil
  • butter

Chop broccoli rabe and blanche in boiling salted water for about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt a pat of butter in a drizzle of olive oil. Add crushed red peppers and cook until fragrant. Add chopped fennel and leeks and cook until wilted. Stir in roasted garlic and a pinch of S&P. Add wine and cook down to almost nothing.

Add broccoli rabe, raisins, and pine nuts and heat through.

Meanwhile, prepare the seafood.

Heat a drizzle of olive oil and a small pat of butter in a small skillet. Add seafood and quickly cook, adding a pinch of thyme and garlic powder.

To serve:

Mound broccoli rabe on plate and top with seafood.

Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

Really simple and really flavorful. Nice crunch from the broccoli rabe and the balsamic mellows out the bitterness of the greens. The fennel and leeks add another level of sweetness.

All-in-all… a successful dinner!

Broccoli Rabe