Brown Rice Cakes With Sauteed Fennel Broccoli Rabe And Ricotta Food

BROWN-RICE CAKES WITH SAUTEED FENNEL, BROCCOLI RABE, AND RICOTTA

Steps:

• Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick saute pan over medium-high heat. Add fennel, and reduce heat to medium. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, tossing once, until golden, 6 to 7 minutes. Clear a small space in pan, and add 1/2 teaspoon oil and the garlic. Saute, stirring, until garlic is fragrant and beginning to turn golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1/3 cup water, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until fennel is tender, about 2 minutes. Raise heat to medium-high; add remaining water, the broccoli rabe, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover, and cook, stirring once, until greens are tender, about 3 minutes more. Uncover pan, and let sit.
• Heat 2 teaspoons oil in another large nonstick saute pan over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, whisk egg whites in a medium bowl until very foamy and starting to turn white but not stiff. Stir in rice, fennel seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Drop 4 separate spoonfuls (about half the batter) into pan, and spread each into a 3-inch round. Cook until golden brown, crisp, and set, about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip, and cook 1 minute. Keep cakes in a warm oven if desired. Wipe out pan, and repeat process with remaining oil and batter.
• Divide cakes and vegetables among 4 plates. Top with ricotta, drizzle with oil, season with pepper, and scatter with basil.

SAUTEED BROCCOLI RABE

Steps:

• Working in batches, cook the broccoli rabe in a large pot of boiling salted water until crisp tender, about 1 minute per bunch. Transfer the broccoli rabe to a large bowl of ice water to cool. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. Strain the cooled broccoli rabe and set aside.
• Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and saute until the garlic is golden, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the broccoli rabe and toss to coat. Add the reserved cooking water, the raisins, and cook until the broccoli rabe is heated through and the stems are tender, about 4 minutes. Season with salt, to taste. Just before serving, toss the mixture with the pine nuts.

BROCCOLI RABE WITH GARLIC

Steps:

• Cut off and discard the tough ends of the broccoli rabe and cut the rest of into 2-inch pieces. Place the broccoli in a colander and rinse. Drain well. Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Add the garlic and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 6 minutes, until golden brown. Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon, and set aside. Add the broccoli to the hot oil. Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper and cook, covered, over medium to low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until the stalks are tender but still al dente. Add the reserved garlic, check the seasonings, and serve hot.

FISH AND FENNEL

Steps:

• In a medium skillet, combine 1/3 cup water and oil. Add the fennel, tomatoes, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, lemon, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin to fall apart, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Season the fish with salt and pepper. Add to skillet with vegetables. Cover, and cook until opaque, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately.