RECIPE: Broccoli Rabe (Rapini) with Toasted Chickpeas

photo credit nancy s. mure

Aside from pasta, Italy is all about the vegetables. This is likely the reason Italy has been ranked as the second healthiest country in the world. That being said, whenever I want a little taste of The Mother Land, as I call it, I make this satisfying dish and it never disappoints. Nutritionally this dish stands alone. To call it a side-dish would be an insult. 

I would not be exaggerating if said that with this dish alone, you could greatly improve your health. Rapini and chickpeas are packed with nourishment.

Rapini and chick peas are made with Rapini, (Broccoli Rabe) and garbanzo beans (chick peas). Rapini is an impressive source of fiber, Vitamins A, C, K, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron. Studies show that the cancer preventing glucosinolate compounds in rapini are particularly effective against stomach, lung, and colon cancers. Promising research hints at protective effects against breast and prostate cancers as well.

Garbanzo beans, or chick peas as they're known, completely outrank rapini nutritionally. Chick peas are an astounding source of Vitamins A, C, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, copper and selenium! We're going to combine the two for an extra nutritional punch!  You will need:

Ingredients:

1-2 bunches broccoli rabe, flower stems only, bottoms trimmed2 cloves garlic sliced.1 carton Organic Garbanzo beans (whole foods) drained and rinsedGood quality cold pressed olive oil or organic coconut oil (Trader Joes).Himalayan pink salt for seasoning (Trader Joes)

Method:

Heat a cast iron pan. To toast the chickpeas add olive oil and chick peas and season with pink salt and cover. You will hear the chick peas will pop. This is ok.  Keep the pan covered. Shake the pan until the peas are a golden color on all sides.

Once the chick peas are golden, chop your broccoli rabe into two-inch pieces and add to the pan. Season again with a pinch of pink salt. Cook until the rapini is tender and serve.