Vegetables Greens What is Broccoli Rabe? (And How Should You Cook It?) By Food & Wine Editors Published on April 9, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: © Andrew Purcell Broccoli rabe — also known as rapini — isn't just part of the broccoli plant, and it's not just baby broccoli. In fact, the leafy, cruciferous vegetable is closely related to the turnip. The deliciously bitter stems, leaves, and nutty, broccoli-esque buds are all edible, easy to cook, and often sautéed, braised, and roasted in Italian dishes. Recipes like Cavatelli with Roasted Broccoli Rabe and Harissa and Broccoli Rabe Burgers show the vegetable's versatility. Read on for these and more fantastic recipes for broccoli rabe. (And if you were wondering, it's pronounced "rob.") 01 of 05 Open-Face Cheese Toasts with Broccoli Rabe Relish © John Kernick This simple recipe from Stephanie Izard (F&W Best New Chef '11) comes together in minutes. Fish sauce and malt vinegar give a punch of umami to the broccoli rabe while sharp cheddar cheese blankets everything in an extra level of sensory bliss. Get the Recipe 02 of 05 Broccoli Rabe and Ricotta Frittata © Ben Dearnley Though frittatas are often served cooled as a first course, they make an equally good main dish, either warm or at room temperature. Here, ricotta mellows the bite of broccoli rabe. Get the Recipe 03 of 05 Cavatelli with Roasted Broccoli Rabe and Harissa © Con Poulos Many cooks sauté or braise broccoli rabe, but roasting brings out its sweetness even more. Cookbook author Michael Natkin uses this technique for a fast pasta with cavatelli, smoked paprika, and harissa. Get the Recipe 04 of 05 Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Burgers © Tina Rupp Ground pork, veal, beef, and minced pancetta form juicy sausage patties that chef Marc Vetri (F&W Best New Chef '99) loves with pasta, but contends are even better as burgers. Add broccoli rabe, fontina cheese and you have a winner of a meal. Get the Recipe 05 of 05 Broccoli Rabe and Avocado Salad with Lemon Dressing and Herby Molten Eggs Photo by Jennifer Causey / Food styling by Rishon Hanners / Prop styling by Audrey Davis Warm, roasted broccoli rabe gets tossed with diced avocado, pistachios, and chives to start this herbaceous salad. The dressing gets its silky texture from a whole egg yolk. The secret to the slow-simmered "molten eggs" on top is to roll them in chopped parsley for a dramatic presentation. Get the Recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit