Easy Sauteed Broccoli Rabe with Italian Sausage

Sauteed Broccoli rabe and Italian sausage are two things that just go together for a flavorful dinner. Plus it’s so easy and quick to make.

How I learned to make this easy sauteed broccoli rabe with Italian sausage is a memory I will always treasure. Read on for the story.

If you have a large pot of salted water, a large skillet, and a slotted spoon you’re halfway to there to having a delicious dinner.

How I Learned to make Sauteed Broccoli Rabe

Emilia’s Magic Meal

I remember clearly my mom, Emilia, calling me on the telephone and telling me all about a recipe that she wanted to make with me!

While this doesn’t seem unusual, it actually was. What made it unusual was that she was pretty persistent about when we could get together. Inquiring about what time, and when she could show me how to make this new broccoli rabe meal.

Persistence in this manner was unusual for my mom.

At the time, I didn’t think too much about it. In my mind, I thought sure, one day we would make the recipe. Although, her heightened interest had me pretty curious about this recipe. 

What came next

What I didn’t know at the time was that the sauteed broccoli raab would quickly weave its way into our rotation of classic Italian recipes my family makes.

This would also be the last meal my dear mom would make. She fell seriously ill shortly after sharing with me how to make it.

She would be thrilled to know I now am sharing it with you! Here is how to make it!

How to get the bitterness out of broccoli rabe?

Broccoli rabe is a different green vegetable from regular broccoli. While some say it is an acquired taste, broccoli rabe may have a bitter flavor but can be used in many healthy recipes.

One way to reduce the bitterness of broccoli rabe is to blanch the greens for one minute in boiling water. Then drain and cook per your recipe instructions.

Another option is to leave the leafy portion of the greens intact (especially the florets) which will provide a more mellow flavor.

Is sauteed broccoli rabe healthy?

It sure is. Sauteed rabi is filled with Vitamins A and C. Along with potassium which helps boosts your immune system, it also aids in regulating blood pressure.

Add to that list, magnesium which is known to produce energy.

How to make sauteed broccoli rabe with Italian sausage?

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Italian sweet sausage
• Broccoli Rabe
• Cannellini beans
• Chicken broth
• Salt and Black pepper
• (Optional – mushrooms)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Heat extra virgin olive oil on medium heat in a nonstick skillet
• Once warmed add 1 chopped onion, and saute several garlic cloves (minced)
• (never let the fresh garlic get too brown as it will leave a bitter taste to the oil)
• Add loose Italian Sweet Sausage in small bite-sized pieces
• Brown sausage slowly over medium-high heat
• When sausage is browned add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth
• Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper chili flakes for a bit of zing
• Rinse the leafy greens in cold water
• Cut the stem ends of broccoli rabe
• Chop 1 head of broccoli rabe into one-inch pieces – there is no need to cook broccoli rabe separately
• Add broccoli rabe to the sausage to aid the cooking process and reduce any bitter flavor
• (optional – add sliced fresh mushroom)
• Pour in chicken broth
• Combine white beans and cook on low heat for several minutes for this classic Italian side dish
• Cover and simmer over moderate heat until sauteed broccoli rabe is soft and bubbling and has a beautiful green color

The total cooking time takes less than 30 minutes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

(optional) add a pinch of red pepper flakes and mushrooms

Watching her work her magic

I believe that she worked her magic in the best way that day. We shared our love of cooking together and ate this tasty dish to our heart’s content.

As a young girl, I would stand by her side at the stove while she would cook. A tablespoon of olive oil here, and a clove of garlic there. Hundreds of pasta recipes were served from her kitchen.

‘Are you watching me’, she would say. Over and over. ‘One day you’ll want to make this for your family’! She was correct.

This is one of the many thousands of fabulous memories and meals I have been blessed with, from my mother.

I will always remember the twinkle in her eye when she held up the cloves of garlic as if they held the key and were the secret ingredient of this magical meal. 🙂

My favorite way to serve this simple recipe is to sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top. Then serve with slices of Italian bread, garlic bread, or any fresh loaf, a side salad & a glass of your favorite red wine.

I hope your family likes it as much as my family.

Enjoy!