Learn how to make a broccoli rabe pesto, that tastes just as good as traditional pesto, and several ideas on how to use it.

I love pesto made with basil, but in the winter I have to buy fresh basil from the store and sometimes it’s rather expensive and not very nice looking.

I found this beautiful bunch of broccoli rabe, aka rappini, at the market recently. Though I had never made pesto with a vegetable or different herb, I knew that it could be done. I have made pesto with basil and different nuts, such as walnuts, and different cheeses like Romano cheese. So this time I thought, why not broccoli rabe?

Like traditional pesto, I stuck with toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. 

I immediately made broccoli rabe pesto over spaghetti for dinner. It was amazing.

Note: You can add a little bit of the pasta water to make more of a sauce.

However, there are so many ways that you can use pesto, traditional basil or otherwise. Here are a just a few. I hope you have a chance to try this one, and venture out into the realm of pesto possibilities.

Ways To Use Broccoli Rabe Pesto

• As a pasta sauce, just like traditional pesto 
• To make Vegetarian Lasagna
• On top of a brick of cream cheese, served with crackers as an appetizer.
• To make a vinaigrette (Combine 1-2 T broccoli rabe pesto to 1/2 c vinegar and 1 cup of olive oil)
• As a condiment on a sandwich. You could even mix some with mayo.
• Add a tablespoon on top of cooked protein such as steak, fish or chicken
• To add flavor to steamed, grilled or roasted vegetables
• As a topping or sauce to any savory tart, flatbread or pizza.

Broccoli Rabe Pesto

Broccoli Rabe Pesto

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You can make pesto from a bunch of broccoli rabe that tastes just as good and traditional pesto.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh broccoli rabe
• 2 cloves fresh garlic
• 1/3 cup pine nuts - roasted
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Wash and trim the broccoli rabe.
2. Blanch broccoli rabe in boiling water for 5 minutes or until slightly softened. Remove to paper towels to dry and cool slightly. Roughly chop.
3. In a food processor combine garlic, Parmesan cheese, peppers, and pine nuts. Pulse.
4. Add broccoli rabe and pulse.
5. While the processor is going slowly add the olive oil through the top.
6. Remove to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 weeks or freeze for future use.

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