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 2 years, and not only am I growing broccoli raab in the backyard, but we had a great harvest this past spring, and are just a few weeks away from a nice juice fall harvest of this magical green vegetable.
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 fall. 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!
Chickpeas with Broccoli Raab and Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Cook broccoli raab in a large pot of boiling water 2 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside.
- 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.
Lyn says
I am growing broccoli raab in my backyard because of this very delicious recipe of yours. I’ve been using regular broccoli from my garden to make this dish. I can’t wait to use broccoli raab. Thank you for all the yummy recipes.
Mavis says
Ahhhh Thanks Lyn. 🙂
LaToya says
I don’t think I have ever had broccoli raab. Will I like it? I love broccoli. Does it taste like broccoli? Do tell.
Mavis says
You will like it. I even like it. It’s not as beefy big like broccoli which I think is nice. Tastes like broccoli YES, but not as much. 🙂
LaToya says
Thanks – I’m down. Will have to try some. I have all the other ingredients so just need to find this…
Mavis says
Is whole paycheck open there yet? They would have it.
LaToya says
LOL @ whole paycheck. Not until Thanksgivingish. I can’t wait. I got a $25 Visa card for my birthday that I am holding on to for that place. Maybe I’ll be able to get 2 things – ha.
Lissa says
So months ago when you first posted this recipe, after I got a bunch of broccoli raab in my reclaimed food boxes (score!!), I made this. OMG OMG OMG. Now it is top of my list for whenever I magically happen to find broccoli raab in my boxes. (despite its awesomeness, I am so chock full of free produce that I just can’t shell out the dollars for it in the store) Was very happy to learn it is just as great with the broccolini I got last week. 😉
Mavis says
It’s crazy good isn’t it. 🙂