SAUTéED RAPINI WITH GARLIC AND CHILE
Serves 4.
The amount of oil called for in this recipe might shock you, but it's necessary to get the rapini nicely sautéed and coated in all the flavors. If you don't want to end up eating all that oil, you can remove the rapini from the pan with tongs, leaving the oil behind. Or you can serve it all together and let the olive oil pool beneath the rapini on the plate. You could also turn this into a main dish by tossing in some cooked orecchiette or penne pasta for a beautiful sauce, to serve with or without grated cheese. Adapted from Suzanne Goin, "Sunday Suppers at Lucques"
11/2lb. rapini or broccoli rabe, ends trimmed
1/2c. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves