Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Broccoli Rabe Sausage and Polenta


                         Makes 4 servings
 1                pound broccoli rabe, tough stems removed
4                  tablespoons olive oil
1-1/3           pounds hot or mild Italian sausage
1                 onion, chopped
2                 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4              cup dry white wine
1-1/2           cups canned crushed tomatoes in thick puree (from a 14-ounce can)
1-1/2           cups canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
1/2              teaspoon dried thyme
2-1/2          teaspoons salt
1/4              cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/8              teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper 4-1/2           cups water
1-1/3           cups coarse or medium cornmeal

1 .        In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the broccoli rabe until tender, about 2 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly. Cut into 2-inch lengths.
2.         In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderately high heat. Add the sausage and cook, turning, until browned, about 10 minutes. Remove. When cool enough to handle, cut into slices.
3.           Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the pan. Reduce the heat to moderately low. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the wine; bring to a simmer. Add the sausage, tomatoes, broth, thyme, and 1 1/4 teaspoons of the salt. Bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Add the broccoli rabe, parsley, and pepper to the sauce; bring to a simmer.
4.           Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring the water and the remaining 1 1/4 teaspoons salt to a boil. Add the cornmeal in a slow stream, whisking. Whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until very thick, about 20 minutes. Serve with the sauce.
TIP:
This rustic dish wants a red wine, but the broccoli rabe's bite will combine with tannin to create an unpleasant bitterness. Opt for an Italian Barbera; such as a 'Ferrari-Carano' it has minimal tanni.

10 comments:

  1. Wow, this is such a nice and tasty meal. Loads of flavor and comfort -- I need some of that! And a glass of red wine, too. ;-) Good stuff -- thanks.

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  2. Hi John , I just left your house , I am ready to do some grilling outside , With this weather the wine would go good , or one of your famous cocktails after dinner , thanks so much for stopping y :).

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  3. Dear Nee, Broccoli rabe is one of my favorites. This is a great version to use the broccoli rabe. Great meal. Blessings dear. Catherine xo

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  4. Hi Catherine , Broccoli rabe has become a favorite of mine after trying it about 10 years ago , thanks for stopping by :)

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  5. Yum! What a lovely meal! Thanks for sharing with us!

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    1. Hi Nellie, with all the cold weather , I spend most of my days in the kitchen , thanks for stopping by :)

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  6. Dear Nee,
    Wow, this dish is marvelous! Love it all, and I like that you have some heat with the hot sausage..The Broccoli Rabe is amazing. it is really very good and good for you. Plus the Polenta must be like heaven in your mouth. Great combination all three items together. You did a great job, plus I like the idea of the wine added and save some to drink too! Thanks for sharing this splendid meal with us.
    Blessings, Dottie :)

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    1. Dear Dottie ,
      This is a tasty dish , I make it about 3 times a month , the ingredients , you can add different ones add more heat or no heat at all . It depends on your taste buds at the time . We do have wine with this dish and I give the kids grape juice . Thank you for the encouragement , I am learning as I go along ;-D , thanks for stopping by ! Blessing to you my friend :) Nee

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  7. Oh Nee se ve muy delicioso es el plato favorito en casa ,comemos mucha polenta,abrazos.

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  8. Hi Rosita , the dish is yummy , thanks so much for stopping by :)

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