Pickled Rapini (Broccoli Rabe)


Here is another great recipe from Domenica Marchetti's PRESERVING ITALY cookbook.

I love broccoli rabe (also known as rapini). It can be mean and bitter, but sometimes I like that in a person (I mean vegetable!).


Here you blanch the broccoli rabe for 5 minutes in the vinegar solution just to make it tender but still crisp.

Domenica wants you to keep in the fridge for a week to mellow, but I dug in right away....I have zero patience.


This was FANTASTIC on roast chicken sandwiches and with her oven roasted tomatoes on pizza!


In her book, she suggests you serve it on ciabatta rolls with fresh mozzarella and prosciutto cotto.
I'm in.


Pickled Rapini: (adapted from Preserving Italy)

2 lbs. of broccoli rabe (rapini)
2 cups of white wine vinegar (I used regular white vinegar)
2 cups water
4 cloves garlic, sliced super thin
2 tbsp sea salt
olive oil
crushed red pepper flakes

You will need 2 sterilized 1 pint jars w/ lids

Trim the rapini and discard the tough stems.

In a heavy saucepan, bring the vinegar, water, garlic and salt to a boil over medium heat. Dissolve salt.
Add in the broccoli rabe pushing it down with a spoon or tongs to submerge in the brine.

Cook on a boil for 5 minutes.
Drain the broccoli rabe and discard the brine.

Spread out on a kitchen towel on a baking sheet to cool for about an hour.

Pour a little olive oil in the bottom of the jars and pack the broccoli rabe in the jars, sprinkling the red pepper flakes in as you go.

Slowly pour enough olive oil to cover.

Screw the lids on tightly and let stand at room temp for 24 hours.

Let the broccoli rabe "cure" in the fridge for about a week before using.

The pickled vegetable will keep about 2 months in the refrigerator.


This was a delicious way to preserve and pickle one of my favorite vegetables!

Comments

Anonymous said…
hi Stacey

THis is fantastic....my motherinlaw pickles green tomatoes and sliced eggplants and are so delicious. THis is looks just as delicious!!

Thanks for sharing

Michele
Ciao Chow Linda said…
I've got some leftover pork from dinner and will be going to the store tomorrow to get some broccoli rabe for this recipe. I see a great sandwich in my future (I won't be able to wait a week either.)
Stacey said…
I would never think to pickle Broccoli Rabe which I LOVE! We do green tomatoes, eggplant, olives & peppers! I can't wait to try this! And...omg that sandwich looks amazing! Thank you!!!
Stacey said…
I got broccoli rabe on sale yesterday for 99 cents/lb!!! Win Win! Starting this tomorrow! Can't wait to try it!
Anonymous said…
This is a revelation! I've made it four times since I discovered your recipe a few weeks ago. Outstanding!
Laura said…
This is fantastic. I've made it a dozen times already and everyone who tastes it is shocked at how great it is. I usually double the recipe and add a little of the pickling liquid to the jars for just a bit more zing. It is great on porchetta sandwiches with some sharp provolone. I brought it to a party yesterday and people were literally begging me for the recipe! Thanks so much for this one!