broccoli rabe

or broc·co·li raab

[ brok-uh-lee rahb, brok-lee ]

noun

1. a cruciferous plant, Brassica rapa rapa, of the mustard family, also classified by other names, especially B. rapa ruva, B. rapa rapifera, and B. ruvo.
2. the slightly bitter, dark green leaves and clustered flower buds of this plant, eaten as a raw or cooked vegetable.

Word History and Origins

Origin of broccoli rabe¹

First recorded in 1925–30; perhaps alteration of Italian broccoli di rapa “flowering tops of the turnip”; broccoli ( def ), rape ²( def )

Example Sentences

If you do like the flavor, though, why not make a broccoli rabe pesto?

From Salon

Orecchiette seems like it's always paired with sausage and broccoli rabe.

From Salon

Grilled swordfish teamed with a bed of quinoa, jump-started with charred broccoli rabe, arrives with a haunting chipotle dressing that lingers on the tongue and in the mind, even after the entree is dispatched.

From Washington Post

I'll always have a dark leafy green around like a kale or a broccoli rabe just because I do really crave greens and they survive for a long time.

From Salon

Wondering how to make bitter broccoli rabe taste less bitter?

From Salon