Eat Healthier with Broccoli Raab

We know we should be eating more healthy greens. After all , they help us detox from pollutants, help balance our ph, provide protective antioxidants and are loaded with healthy vitamins and minerals. A tasty green that is in season right now is broccoli raab, and it's so easy to make!

Have you ever eaten broccoli raab? Also known as rapini or broccoli rabe, it looks like tiny heads of broccoli broccoli with lots of spinach like leaves. The entire plant of this cruciferous vegetable is edible including the leaves, broccoli buds, and stems. This slightly bitterish green ( the bitterness comes from the stem which I like) has always been popular in Italian and Portuguese cuisines.

Fun Facts About Broccoli Raab

I recently read an interesting article by Andy Boy's nutritional expert, Keri Glassman,  about the valuable nutritional of benefits of eating broccoli raab! ( "10 Fun Facts About Broccoli Raab" ) 
Her article reminded of the reasons I try to include greens like broccoli raab in my daily diet.

Does it taste like broccoli? NO! It's totally different. I like it even better.
The following 2 simple recipes ( broccoli raab in garlic and oil or broccoli raab in pesto)  are easy and delicious! As with spinach, a large bunch will cook down significantly. This is how I like my broccoli raab ( buy it in any supermarket)

Two Easy Recipes for Broccoli Raab 


#1  Broccoli Raab with Olive oil and Garlic

Start with 2 bunches of broccoli raab and 5 cloves of garlic.

• wash the broccoli raab
• peel and chop the garlic cloves
• chop the broccoli raab   
• sauté the garlic in some olive oil until soft, add the broccoli raab and a pinch of pink salt ( if desired) and heat until it well wilted and lightly cooked ( about 5-7 minutes)

#2 Broccoli Rabe Tossed in Pesto Recipe ( click for recipe) 

Concerned about eye health, skin issues, weight loss, or bone health? ? You can read more information about the nutrients that may help in Keri's post:  "10 Fun Facts About Broccoli Raab" 

           Keri Glassman- one of Americas foremost registered dietitians and author


Do you like Broccoli Raab? How do you cook it? 
* my own fun fact: Most Broccoli Raab is grown in New Jersey

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Andy Boy, Keri Glasman or the contents of her post. I take no responsibility for any claims in her article. I simply read it, liked it, and am sharing it. I am not a medical doctor and am not trying to diagnose or treat disease. My post's are strictly for educational purposes.

I link my posts to this list of blog carnivals each day where you can find lots of wonderful recipes from bloggers all over the Internet. 

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