Broccoli rabe is having a moment in the Dawson household right now.  Every time I go to the grocery store I just can’t pass up those bright green bunches.  I like the bitterness of the leaves and the slightly sweet broccoli, kind of like if kale and broccoli had a baby.

That’s weird to imagine, so let’s move on.  I usually just blanch and saute broccoli rabe because I don’t mind the bitter but some people are turned off by that taste.  More rabe for me!  But in an effort to be a little less selfish with my food (a very tough feat, just ask my husband) I decided to try preparing it a little different.

Roasted.

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that #roastallthethings is pretty much my favorite hashtag because I really do roast all the things.  Roasting brings out the natural sugars in food and in turn makes things like broccoli rabe more palatable for everyone.  The balsamic vinegar just ups the ante even more and adds a nice tang.

This is a simple side dish and after blanching it doesn’t take that much time.  In fact, you could blanch the broccoli rabe a few days in advance so all you have to do is throw the rabe into the oven when you’re ready to eat.  Easy peasy!

Balsamic Roasted Broccoli Rabe

• 1 bunch broccoli rabe
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1-2 shallots, finely diced
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1. The first thing you need to do is blanch and shock the broccoli rabe.  This helps it keep it’s color and tames a little bit of the bitterness.  Separate the leaves from the broccoli stems, but don’t throw them away, and chop the broccoli part into bite size pieces.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a few ice cubes.  Have a colander ready.
3. Once the water is boiling, dump the chopped broccoli pieces and stir around.  Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the water starts to come to a boil again.  With a slotted spoon, transfer the broccoli to the cold water bath and then drain in the strainer.  Repeat this process with the leaves.
4. Once the broccoli rabe is blanched and shocked you can roast it right away or store it in the fridge for about 2 days before you’re ready to cook it.
5. Preheat the oven to 400 and line a large tray with a Silpat or parchment paper.  Toss the broccoli and leaves in the coconut oil and then lay them out in an even layer on the baking sheet.  Sprinkle the shallots and garlic slices over them and then drizzle everything with the balsamic vinegar.  You can add a pinch of salt as well at this point.
6. Roast for about 10 to 15 minutes, keeping a close eye so the broccoli rabe doesn’t burn.  Remove from the oven let cool slightly before serving.