I have sort of a love hate relationship with it. It looks like broccoli, but it doesn’t taste like it. Broccoli rabe can sometimes be so bitter, even with blanching, there’s no amount of vinegar or bacon that can save it. But bitterness heightens flavors (hence the purpose of parsley). Your tongue can distinguish 4 basic tastes—sour, bitter, sweet, and salty—so if you combine the somewhat bitter rabe with strong tastes from the other groups, the result can be like happy fireworks in your mouth. Rabe combined with sun-dried tomatoes is a deli classic, the tomatoes offering a sweet intense counter-note to the rabe. Still, it’s not for everyone, so be warned. This recipe tosses lightly sautéed broccoli rabe with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese and penne pasta. So good! We devoured it. Whichever pot comes to a boil first, into it place the broccoli rabe. Blanch only for one minute, then use a slotted spoon to remove the rabe from the hot water to a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain the rabe and pat dry with paper towels. When the water comes to a rolling boil, add a tablespoon of salt to it, let the salt dissolve, then add the pasta. Once the water returns to a boil, start the timer. Let the pasta cook, at a rolling boil, uncovered, for whatever time is necessary to cook it to al dente, cooked through but still a little firm. Add the chopped garlic and the red chile flakes. Cook until the garlic just begins to brown at the edges. Then add to the pan the blanched broccoli rabe. Toss to coat with the olive oil, chile flakes, and garlic. Sprinkle with salt. When the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the rabe. Sprinkle everything with black pepper and the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine. Serve immediately.
