Going to the grocery store inspires a strangeness in me. Most people go with lists, have recipes in mind, bring their inspiration into the store.  But  not me. I tend to go the haphazard route (which is why trips can often last more than a couple of hours). I see something that I know very little about, have never made, am not sure how to prepare or what to prepare it with and its like I have to it!! I know this sounds super impulsive but trust me, its not all bad. For example, take last night’s dinner: broccoli rabe (aka rapini) and tofu.

I have eaten broccoli rabe, I know what it is, but have never prepared it, and never really thought about what I would do with it if I had it. But of course, while at the grocery store browsing the produce aisle, it caught my eye. And for a second I was able to shake it off and keep walking. I kept saying to myself, “its late. I need to make dinner. Really should not buy ingredients I don’t know what to do with.” (I always wonder if people in my neighborhood grocery store notice me rambling on to myself…)

I tried to get inspiration from more familiar veggies — squash, mushrooms, spinach, anything - but  they just wouldn’t speak to me. All I could think about was the little yellow flowers and leaves on that broccoli rabe looking up at me and I knew I wasn’t leaving without it. So I bought some, washed it and began doing some guesswork and research. I know, I know — great way to get a late dinner started!

If it looks like broccoli, sounds like broccoli,is it just broccoli? Not really. Its not actually in the broccoli family, it is more closely related to a turnip. Seriously, who knew?

Here’s what I did with my broccoli rabe - anyone else have tips?

• Wash broccoli rabe and pat dry with a paper towel. While waiting, bring 5 cups of water to a boil in the pot
• While waiting for water to boil, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium-sized pan.
• When the water is boiling, carefully place the broccoli rabe in the water
• After 2 minutes, drain the broccoli rabe and pat them dry
• Place the broccoli rabe into the sizzling olive oil and add tofu
• Add salt, pepper and sugar to the broccoli rabe and tofu according to taste. Gently stir the greens and tofu with a spatula and allow to sautee for 4 to 5 minutes. When the broccoli rabe is vibrantly green, remove from heat and enjoy!

Tagged as: broccoli, cooking, cooking inspiration, greens, groceries, health, healthy, how to cook broccoli rabe, impulse behavior, low calorie, low carb, low-fat, natural, recipes, vegan recipe, vegetarian recipes

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