When i need a cozy dish that makes the whole house smell amazing, i turn to this green giada basic broccoli rabe. The ingredients—like broccoli rabe and olive oil—blend together so beautifully, creating the perfect balance of flavors.

It’s ideal for dinner, and it only takes about 15 minutes to prepare. I love how it’s easy to make but still feels like such a treat. It’s always a hit, and there’s enough to feed 4 servings.

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 bunch of broccoli rabe, tough ends trimmed
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon flake salt
• Crushed red pepper flakes, grated lemon zest, or grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (optional), for garnish

How To Make Giada Basic Broccoli Rabe

1. Boil with Salted Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add a pinch of kosher salt to season the water—it makes a difference, trust me!
2. Blanch and Cool: Add the broccoli rabe to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes, or until the stems are slightly tender. Use tongs or a skimmer to transfer the rabe to a baking sheet to cool down.
3. Squeeze and Serve: Once it’s cool enough to handle, gently squeeze the broccoli rabe to remove excess liquid. To serve, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with flake salt, and top with a garnish of your choice, if desired.
4. Store for Later: To store, refrigerate the cooked broccoli rabe in a covered container for up to 5 days. That’s right, it’s a great make-ahead veggie!

Recipe Tips

• Elevate with Garlic and Lemon: Add a few cloves of minced garlic and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the pan before sautéing the broccoli rabe, heightening the flavor and balance of the dish.
• Play with Spice: For a bold and spicy twist, incorporate red pepper flakes into the dish during the final stages of cooking, infusing the greens with a warm and invigorating heat.
• Texture Contrast: Add some crunch by tossing toasted breadcrumbs, chopped almonds, or crispy prosciutto bits with the cooked broccoli rabe, adding texture and visual interest.
• Herbal Infusion: Immerse the dish in fresh herbs by substituting the thyme with chopped rosemary, basil, or oregano, unlocking new layers of flavor and aromatics.
• Quick Blanching Method: For an easier prep and a vibrant green color, blanch the broccoli rabe in boiling salted water for just 30 seconds, then immediately submerge it in an ice bath before sautéing.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Italian Lemonade
• Giada De Laurentiis Chocolate Mascarpone Pound Cake
• Giada Butternut Squash Soup With Fontina Cheese Crostini