Broccoli Rabe with Lemon Butter

• Recipe by Marcia Kiesel

Tangy ricotta salata, a rich and tart lemon butter and toasted pine nuts embellish pleasantly bitter broccoli rabe.

Ingredients

1. 6 pounds broccoli rabe, thick stems discarded
2. 1 stick plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
3. Finely grated zest of 2 lemons
4. Salt and freshly ground pepper
5. 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6. 1/2 cup pine nuts
7. 5 garlic cloves, minced
8. 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
9. 3/4 cup ricotta salata, crumbled

Directions

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook half the broccoli rabe until tender, 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a colander to drain. Repeat with the remaining greens. Squeeze the excess water from the broccoli rabe and coarsely chop.
2. In a bowl, blend the butter with the lemon zest; season with salt and pepper.
3. In the large pot, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the pine nuts and cook over moderate heat until golden, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pine nuts to a plate. Heat the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in the pot. Add the garlic and cook over moderate heat until sizzling, about 3 minutes. Add the chopped broccoli rabe and toss well. Add the lemon-butter and lemon juice and stir well. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a serving bowl. Top with the pine nuts and ricotta salata and serve.

Make Ahead

The recipe can be prepared 1 day ahead through Step 2; refrigerate the butter and broccoli rabe separately.