Big Woods Farm CSA

This recipe is from the cookbook “Local Flavors: Cooking and Eating from America’s Farmer’s Markets” by Deborah Madison.

This recipe is designed for Broccoli Raab, but also works for other greens such as beet greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens.

1 lb broccoli
1 large bunch broccoli raab or other greens
sea salt
2 TBS olive oil
2 cloves garlic, 1 minced and 1 cut in half crosswise
several pinches red pepper flakes
2 TBS chopped oregano
aged red wine vinegar
4 large slices hearty country bread
1/2 to 1/2 lb fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced

1.Thickly peel the broccoli stems.  Coarsely chop the broccoli.  Coarsely chop the broccoli raab or other greens, including stems.

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add salt, then the vegetables.  Cook until tender, about 5 minutes, then scoop them into a colander to drain.  Reserve 2 cups of the cooking water.

3. Warm the 2 TBS oil in a nonstick skillet.  Add the vegetables along with a cup of the reserved cooking water, the minced garlic, pepper flakes, and oregano.  turn with tongs to mix in the garlic, then lower the heat.  make sure there’s ample liquid in the pan.  The greens shouldn’t fry, plus you’ll want the extra liquid to spoon over them.  Taste for salt, then season with a few drops of good, strong vinegar.

4. Preheat the broiler.  Toast the bread, then rub it with the halved garlic clove.  Immediately lay the cheese over the top, then broil until it begins to droop or bubble a little.  Transfer the toasts to plates, then cover them with the greens and their juices.  Add a few drops of olive oil to each, as well as any remaining pan juices.