A Quick Fix

In these parts, Sausage and Peppers reigns supreme.
But allow me to introduce you to Sausage and Broccoli Rabe:

It’s so delish, dear readers.

Why wouldn’t you give it a try?

I made this for din one night last week in the midst of Christmas preparations when my time was a bit limited and a package of turkey sausage was hanging out in my freezer.

If you don’t know about Broccoli Rabe, I will totally do my best to explain: Broccoli Rabe – pronounced “Rob” has many pseudonyms. It’s also known as Broccoli di Rape and Broccoletti and many other variations. It’s related to turnips and quasi looks like broccoli, but in my humble opinion it tastes nothing like broccoli. It’s usually more bitter than broccoli and it’s really not crunchy in texture, but it’s also not mushy like ick nast overcooked regular broccoli.

I’ve been eating broccoli rabe foreva eva. It’s way popular in southern Italy, and that’s pretty much how my family eats.

At various establishments in South Jersey and in Philadelphia, you will find broccoli rabe atop a fab roasted pork sandwich with melty provolone cheese on a perfect crusty Italian roll. So good it will warm your soul.

I think I need to make THAT sandwich.

Anyway, you can rock this out with any type of sausage. I was trying to keep it a bit healthy since Christmas Eve and Christmas were right around the corner and those two days involved copious amounts of eating and drinking.

Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
1 pound turkey sausage in casings (5 or 6 pieces)
1 pound broccoli rabe, washed in cold water, chopped, with stems removed
4 garlic cloves, sliced
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
Torpedo rolls, sliced

In a saucepan, place broccoli rabe and two inches of water. Cover pan and place over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Cook until broccoli rabe is tender. About 10 minutes.

Remove most of the water from the pan using a ladle or a colander. Leave about ½ cup of water in the pan. Return pan to burner set on medium heat. Drizzle 1 to 2 Tbsp. olive oil over broccoli rabe. Season with salt and pepper. Push broccoli rabe to one side of the pan. Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the open section of the pan. Saute in the olive oil for two minutes. Toss broccoli rabe with the garlic and red pepper flakes.

Meanwhile, lightly brush a drizzle of olive oil on a grill pan. Heat the pan over medium-high heat. Place sausage on pan and brown on all sides. About 10-15 minutes.

Once the turkey sausage is browned, add to the broccoli rabe mixture. Cover the pan and heat through over medium-low heat.

Serve on crusty rolls.