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First things first: Broccoli rabe is not broccoli. It’s actually more closely related to a turnip, even though it has those little buds, similar to those found on broccoli florets. Yeah, weird. Bitter broccoli rabe plays nice with sausage, eggs, and cheese.
Can you substitute broccoli for broccoli rabe?
Even though broccoli rabe may not be closely related to broccoli, the latter does work as a good substitute. Broccolini and broccoli are milder in taste than broccoli rabe and may take a little longer to cook.
What is the difference between broccoli and broccolini?
Sometimes referred to as “baby broccoli,” it’s actually a hybrid vegetable. Broccolini is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli (also called gai lan or Chinese kale). It looks a lot like Chinese broccoli—the stalks are long and lean—but instead of big leaves, it has florets more like common broccoli.
What exactly is broccoli rabe?
Broccoli rabe or broccoli raab is a common name for rapini, a bright green cruciferous vegetable with edible leaves, buds, and stems. Though it appears similar to broccoli, broccolini, and Chinese broccoli, it is, in fact, most closely related to turnips.
Is broccoli rabe Chinese broccoli?
Broccoli rabe and Chinese broccoli are very similar vegetables. Both are from the Brassica genus, have edible stalks, leaves, and small florets, and are bitter in flavor. The two are often recommended as substitutes for one another. The biggest difference is that Chinese broccoli has a much thicker stem.
What is a good replacement for broccoli rabe?
Best Overall Substitute for Broccoli Rabe: Mustard Greens In fact, while broccoli rabe shares its name with broccoli, it is actually more similar to mustard greens. They both have the same earthy taste, with a touch of bitterness that might help to even out your meal.
Is broccoli rabe healthier than broccoli?
A nutrition superstar, rapini satisfies more than 50% of your daily recommended value of vitamins C and A. It also delivers iron and vitamin K, which is important for bone strength. It’s also just one step beneath regular broccoli (but in line with spinach) for protein content.
Are rapini and broccoli rabe the same thing?
Lastly, we have broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, which is not a broccoli derivative at all and is instead more closely related to the turnip. It’s a bitter green, similar to a mustard green, with thin stalks, little buds, and lots and lots of leaves.
Is broccoli rabe bitter?
Yes, “rabe” is pronounced like “Rob,” and yes, this green vegetable is quite bitter. But broccoli rabe’s sharp bitterness is actually its most redeeming quality. That aggressive flavor is wonderful for cutting through heavier sauces and proteins, most notably in Italian cuisine.
Does rapini taste like broccoli?
Another big difference between broccoli and broccoli rabe is the flavor — rapini has a bitter edge that some say mellows when cooked past crisp-tender. Because of its bitterness, broccoli rabe shouldn’t be used as a substitute for broccoli in recipes.
What can I make with broccoli rabe stems?
The stalks, leaves, and blossoms of the plant are all edible—you’ll just want to trim off the base of the stem, as it can be woody. If you end up with thick-stemmed broccoli rabe despite your best efforts otherwise, simply shave or peel a bit of the stem like you would with beefy asparagus stalks.
Which type of broccoli is the healthiest?
The stalk contains the most fiber, while broccoli leaves are highest in cell-protecting antioxidants, vitamins E and K, and calcium. At the store or farmers market, look for fresh broccoli with dark green or purple, not yellow, florets.
Why is it called broccoli rabe?
Rapini is sometimes (but not always) blanched before being cooked further. In the United States, rapini is popular in Italian-American kitchens; the D’Arrigo Brothers popularized the ingredient in the United States and gave it the name broccoli rabe.
Is broccoli rabe healthy?
Broccoli rabe offers a powerful dose of fiber, vitamins and minerals including antioxidants and phytochemicals which have been shown to lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease and may help reduce the risk of cancer.
What is the difference between Chinese broccoli and regular broccoli?
Here is the difference: Regular broccoli – With thick, crisp stalks topped with rounded green florets, broccoli is a member of the cabbage family. It has a grassy, earthy flavor that’s mildly bitter. Chinese broccoli has a slightly bitter and earthy taste, and is best after a quick steam or sauté, or in a stir-fry.
Can you substitute broccoli rabe for kale?
Kale has an extremely earthy taste and the leaves are slightly tougher than other leafy green foods. Kale also belongs to the cabbage family and is packed full of health benefits as well. Kale is best when cooked and so would be a better substitute for the recipes calling for cooked broccoli rabe.
Is broccoli rabe the same as escarole?
Escarole, or broad-leaved endive, is a green that belongs to the chicory family and resembles lettuce. It makes an excellent substitute for broccoli rabe since its leaves are also bitter. The outer leaves are usually cooked since they are very bitter. The inner leaves are often used for salad.
Is rapini a dandelion?
Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is one of those vegetables people seem wary of cooking at home. It looks a bit like a dandelion greens / broccoli hybrid. The thing is, broccoli rabe really is worth trying.
