Sautéed Broccoli Raab with Chile, Garlic & Lemon

The assertive flavors and bright-green color of this side make it a perfect pairing for salmon or chicken. It also goes well with starchy dishes like risotto and pasta.
Some people delight in broccoli raab’s full, undiluted flavor; I find that blanching tempers the bitter note to a more pleasing level and allows other flavors to have their say. For blanching instructions, see the tip below; and for more information on broccoli raab, check out the full article.

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  3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


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  1 Tbs. minced garlic (2 to 3 large cloves)
  
  


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  Scant 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  
  


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  Finely grated zest of half a lemon; plus fresh lemon juice to taste
  
  


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  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


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  1 lb. broccoli raab, rinsed, trimmed, and blanched (see tip at right)
  
  

Tip:

To blanch, drop trimmed (but uncut) broccoli raab into boiling salted water. After two minutes (even if the water hasn't returned to a boil), drain and refresh under cold water.

Put the oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a 10- to 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and starts to sizzle slightly, about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low if the garlic starts to brown. Stir in the lemon zest, 1/4 tsp. salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Raise the heat to medium high and add the broccoli raab, turning to thoroughly coat in the oil and spices. Turn frequently, until it is heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the heat, sprinkle lemon juice over the broccoli raab, toss again, and season to taste with salt and pepper.