Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Broccoli Rabe with Mushroom Gnocchi

I know many of your anti-broccoli haters will take one look at this dish and say YUK...UGHH!...Oh, common, this is not your ordinary broccoli, and yes, it's in the same family but this is the Italian version of it. It is pungent, bitter, crunchy, and so good, healthy for you.The gnocchi is imported from Italy, and it is vacuum sealed. This particular brand is a wild mushroom one that pairs so well with the broccoli rabe

Having lunch at Cafe Sapori, in my neighborhood in West Palm Beach, surely encouraged me to make the same dish for dinner. I did not adapt this from any recipe, I just know the simplicity of this dish.

Broccoli Rabe with Mushroom Gnocchi


1 bunch of broccoli rabe, washed, stems cut, and chopped coarsely
3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves of garlic chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 17. oz pkg. of gnocchi, or orecchiette
salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese


If you don't have a steamer basket (which I couldn't find, when I needed it)...In a large skillet, pour about 1/2 cup of water, and place the coarsely chopped broccoli rabe. Cover with a lid, or a large piece of aluminum foil, and on a high heat, steam for a few minutes. Drain, and rinse with cold water. In the same large skillet, saute garlic,  in the olive oil...add the crushed red pepper flakes and  the broccoli rabe. Add the salt and pepper, and combine it with the cooked gnocchi, or the orecchiette pasta. Serve immediately, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Simple, and delicious!

Note: Please click on the link for the broccoli rabe, to further assist in explaining what it is. Also, mushroom gnocchi, is simply a pasta dish with wild mushroom added inside the dough. You can see the specs of the mushrooms, and certainly taste the goodness of the wild porcini mushroom flavor. It really balances out the flavor of the bitter broccoli rabe, or as they call it in Italian, rapini, or broccoli raab.Whichever name, or if it its all bulbs, then it would be broccolini.
Fabulous lunch a Cafe Sapori, encouraged me to go all the way with the broccoli rabe!



Beautiful beet salad with goat cheese, from Cafe Sapori
 

 
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16 comments:

Sabby said...

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm yummmmmmmmmmm i made mushrooms too recently but different style :)

Debbie B. said...

The gnocchi looks great! I've never cooked with broccoli rabe ... just had it in restaurants!

eatgreek.net said...

broccoli with mushrooms.... hmmm.... it must be delicious! :D

Cardamom Hills said...

I love broccoli but hubby hates it =)Nice recipe!

aipi said...

Beautiful dish..love the broccoli n mushroom combo!

US Masala

Susi said...

I happen to like broccoli as does the rest of the family. Great dish!

Yesim said...

it looks so nice...

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HGourmet Foodie said...

I may be in the minority who loves broccoli :) I love it in Pasta, Pizza..etc.This a simple and elegant dish.. Thanks for posting it.

Priya said...

Wat a droolworthy platter, love both broccoli and mushroom anytime..

Satya said...

wow beautiful dish ...love the mushroom n broccoli combo..yummy

Satya
http://www.superyummyrecipes.com

Angie's Recipes said...

This is definitely my type of healthy and tasty treat! I adore the broccoli...(well, my husband can't stand it though).

Sara & Miki said...

A wonderful food. Kisses.

Jacqueline said...

That looks lovely! I have never really mastered gnocchi. Each time I have made it I have been disappointed, but I am a sucker for any dish with mushrooms, so I am tempted to try again :)

Wouldn't mind a visit to that restaurant too.






Dr.Sameena Prathap
said...

Hi,

wow...yummy....beautiful dish...great combo...:)

Dr.Sameena@

www.myeasytocookrecipes.blogspot.com

Emma said...

Yum, that looks delicious! Yet another way I can eat my broccoli ;)

Magic of Spice said...

Great dish...love the colors and flavors :)