We are excited to share a new recipe with you pairing broccoli rabe with blue cheese dressing. The combination of the bold, bitter flavor of broccoli rabe with the creamy, tangy richness of blue cheese is amazing.
This combination is not as common as more traditional pairings like garlic and olive oil, but it creates a delicious contrast that can be quite appealing.
It’s amazing how the dressing creates a rich and flavorful dish just like what you’d find in a fancy restaurant. Perfect as a side for steaks, grilled chicken, or even on its own as a bold-flavored appetizer.
What is Broccoli Rabe?
Broccoli rabe is also known as Italian rapini. It’s a green vegetable that looks like leafy broccoli but is more closely related to the turnip. Broccoli rabe needs to be treated like a cooking green. Customarily combined with other cooking greens, mushrooms, or garlic, it can also be added to soups, stews, and pasta dishes.
Here is a nice resource explaining what broccoli rabe is and what it tastes like.
Sautéed Broccoli Rabe with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe Tips and Variations
Roasted Broccoli Rabe For a different texture, roast the blanched broccoli rabe in the oven instead of sautéing. This will give it a slightly crispier edge, which pairs nicely with the creamy dressing.
Blue Cheese Salad Dressing. No time to make your own dressing or have the ingredients on hand? No problem, this pairs beautifully with a good blue cheese salad dressing, just drizzle it over and enjoy.
Blue Cheese Crumbles. For an extra burst of blue cheese flavor, sprinkle additional blue cheese crumbles on top before serving.
Nuts for Crunch. Add some toasted walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch and extra depth of flavor.
Here’s a simple recipe idea for broccoli rabe with blue cheese dressing.
Sautéed Broccoli Rabe with Blue Cheese Dressing
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 2 Bunches Broccoli Rabe about 2 pounds
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Blue Cheese Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Blue Cheese Crumbled
- 1/4 Cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 2-3 Tablespoons Milk to thin, if needed
Instructions
- Trim the thick stems of the broccoli rabe and cut the rest into 2-3 inch pieces. Blanch the broccoli rabe in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and place in an ice bath. Once cooled, drain and set aside.2 Bunches Broccoli Rabe
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until the garlic is fragrant.3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 3 Cloves Garlic, 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- Add the blanched broccoli rabe to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until tender. Season with salt and pepper.Salt and pepper
- Make the Blue Cheese Dressing. In a bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, sour cream, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, thin it with a little milk until you reach the desired consistency.1/2 Cup Blue Cheese, 1/4 Cup Mayonnaise, 1/4 Cup Sour Cream, 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice, 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard, 2-3 Tablespoons Milk
- Serve the sautéed broccoli rabe warm, drizzled with the blue cheese dressing. You can serve the dressing on the side as well, allowing people to add as much or as little as they like.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
How to Microwave Broccoli Rabe
Prepare the Broccoli Rabe: Trim the thick stems and cut the broccoli rabe into smaller pieces, about 2-3 inches long. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water.Microwave with Water: Place the broccoli rabe in a microwave-safe dish. Add a few tablespoons of water to the dish to create steam, which will help cook the vegetable evenly.
Cover and Microwave: Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape). Microwave on high for about 3-5 minutes, depending on the quantity and your microwave’s power. You may want to check halfway through and give it a stir to ensure even cooking.
Drain and Season: After microwaving, carefully remove the cover (beware of steam) and drain any excess water. Season the broccoli rabe with olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer.
Nutrition
Refrigerate Leftovers or Make Ahead
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Keep the blue cheese dressing separate if you plan to store leftovers to prevent the broccoli rabe from becoming soggy.
Can you Microwave Broccoli Rabe?
Yes, you can microwave broccoli rabe! It’s a quick and easy method to prepare it. Microwaving is a good option if you’re short on time or don’t want to use the stove. Here’s how you can do it.
How to Microwave Broccoli Rabe
- Prepare the Broccoli Rabe: Trim the thick stems and cut the broccoli rabe into smaller pieces, about 2-3 inches long. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water.
- Microwave with Water: Place the broccoli rabe in a microwave-safe dish. Add a few tablespoons of water to the dish to create steam, which will help cook the vegetable evenly.
- Cover and Microwave: Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape). Microwave on high for about 3-5 minutes, depending on the quantity and your microwave’s power. You may want to check halfway through and give it a stir to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and Season: After microwaving, carefully remove the cover (beware of steam) and drain any excess water. Season the broccoli rabe with olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer.
Tips for Microwaving Broccoli Rabe
Blanching Alternative. Microwaving can be a quicker alternative to blanching, particularly if you’re planning to sauté the broccoli rabe afterward. The microwave will soften the stems and reduce some of the bitterness, just like blanching.
Texture. Microwaved broccoli rabe will be softer than sautéed or roasted versions, so if you prefer a bit of crunch, you might want to reduce the cooking time slightly.
Flavor. Microwaving alone won’t impart the same depth of flavor as sautéing with garlic and oil, so consider using it as a time-saving step before finishing the dish in a skillet or adding seasoning afterward.
Microwaving is a convenient way to prepare broccoli rabe, especially when you’re in a hurry or want to avoid using multiple cooking methods. Just be mindful of the cooking time to prevent overcooking and ensure the vegetable retains its vibrant color and slight bite.
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