I’m a two-time broccoli-growing failure. Maybe, I thought, I could grow broccoli raab–it’s smaller and not as intimidating-looking as the real thing.
So I looked into broccoli raab and it turns out my garden is already FULL of it.
Broccoli raab isn’t broccoli at all. It’s in the turnip family, as in turnip greens, more specifically bolted turnip greens. And if there is anything I know how to do it’s let turnip greens (among other things) go to seed.
While I realize broccoli raab per se is a specific cultivar bred for particularly yummy big panicles, I’m not about to let my talent for neglecting my garden go to waste. I’m eating those broccoli raab-esque turnip greens and it turns out they are delicious.
I’ve prepared them two ways so far: fresh as salad and oven-roasted with cauliflower and garlic. The salad recipe I will post separately but here is the roasted fake fake broccoli, what should I call it?—Bolted Turnip Greens sounds wrong, like they’ve run off suddenly. How about—
Roasted Turnip Greens Tips & Cauliflower
serves 4 as a side dish
approx. 10 oz. turnip greens tender bolted tips or broccoli raab
12 oz. cauliflower florets (about 3 cups)
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
3/4 tsp. salt
12 cloves garlic
a good drizzle of olive oil
Toss the greens, cauliflower, and whole garlic cloves with the oil, salt, and pepper flakes in a large baking dish (11 1/2 x 13″). Place in a 350 degree F. oven, uncovered, and roast for about 30-35 minutes or until the vegetables have begun to caramelize and become tender. Remove from oven and toss with enough dressing to coat.
Herb Vinaigrette Dressing:
3 T. balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup. oil of choice
1 clove crushed garlic
2 tsp. honey
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. minced fresh thyme
pepper to taste
Combine the garlic, honey, salt, pepper and thyme and crush together to release the flavors. Stir in the vinegar. Slowly wisk in the oil. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
P.S. Turnip greens aren’t the only greens that do this. My kale, for example, is sending out similar bolted tips and are not safe from my saute pan.