Chickpeas with Broccoli Raab and Bacon

2 years ago, I came across a recipe for Chickpeas with Broccoli Raab and Bacon in the March, 2010 issue of Cooking Light Magazine. The photo was beautiful, and I suddenly found myself wanting to make it. Which was odd, because I was not a fan of broccoli. But The Handsome Husband and The Girl were. So I decided to give it a try.

Fast forward 3 years, and not only will I be growing broccoli raab in the backyard this year, but I’ll be counting down the days until we get a giant harvest of this magical green vegetable this spring

If you have never tried broccoli raab, you should. Even if it means paying $2.49 for 1 bunch of the leafy greens at your local farmer’s market this spring. Trust me, it will be money well spent.

Oh, and did I forget to mention this recipe involves bacon?

So what are you waiting for? Go make it!

Ingredients  Recipe Credit {slightly adapted}
1 pound broccoli raab, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon fresh oregano
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
5 garlic cloves, sliced thin
1 {15-ounce} can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook broccoli raab in a large pot of boiling water 2 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat {I used a stir fry pan}. Add oil, then bacon; sauté 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in onion, fresh oregano, and red pepper; sauté 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; sauté 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add chickpeas; sauté 1 minute. Stir in broccoli raab, salt, and black pepper; cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, tossing to combine. Serve with Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top.

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