Rapini recipes

i had an italian neighbor (from italy) who was a fabulous cook. we used to go out to the natural field/park near our houses and pick the tops of wild radish for rapini. she would always blanch it first before putting in oil and garlic. i love the color of rapini/wild mustard cooked this way and it was my first introduction to bitter as food (other than chocolate!).

i like to blanch it then shock it in a ice bath then drain to keep it nice and bright. I make a bagna cauda with some chili flake garlic and anchovy. Since the rapini is plain you can keep it in the fridge and use as needed or mix with the bagna cauda and toss with some pasta. All the hotline suggestions listed will work. It's easy to make so go for it and enjoy.

If you don't like the bitter flavor, I recommend Amanda's recipe. The cream mutes the bitterness: https://food52.com/recipes/2806-broccoli-rabe-in-lemon-cream

Like other posters, I too like cooking broccoli rabe with anchovy. I have made a few riffs on this dish, and thought that it was really good. Cannellini eans are a great accompaniment to broccoli rabe: https://food52.com/recipes/39420-pasta-with-broccoli-rabe-and-white-bean-anchovy-sauce

I like the slight bitterness of rapini, so I don't blanch it. I often 'melt' some chopped anchovies (or anchovy paste) in the olive oil used to saute the garlic. Also some red pepper flakes. Then I add the rapini, let it saute for a few minutes, tossing to coat well. Then add a few tablespoons of water to the pan, cover and let the steam finish it. You can also some raisins or dried currants if you like. The bitter, salty, sweet, spicy combo works well together.

This one's good:
http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-rapini-with-orecchiette-116870

Nancy's suggestions are on track to cook good rapini. I bring it home and clean it right away. I trim the tough ends,wash thoroughly and allow it to drip dry in a colander. I wrap it in paper towels and the enclose in a large plastic bag ,keeping it damp. A days rest seems to tame the bitterness, and I don't know how. Along with the olive oil and garlic sautéed, I love to add chopped rapini to soups ( Italian wedding soup) and pasta with Italian sausages,hot and sweet. Experiment and NJOY!!!

Rapini with olive oil and garlic is simple and delicious.
There are Indian-spiced recipes for it that look good (not yet tried).
You can also use it instead of the main ingredient in recipes for other dark greens. Results won't be identical, but usyally good.