Broccoli raab, also known as “rapini,” is a nutrient-rich leafy vegetable popular in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. It has a slightly bitter taste and a tender, delicate texture. However, cleaning broccoli raab can be a bit tricky, as it usually has a lot of dirt and sand hiding in its leaves and stems. Here are some tips on how to clean broccoli raab and enjoy it at its fullest.

Step 1: Trim the stems

Take the broccoli raab bunch and trim the bottom part of the stems with a knife or scissors. This part can be tough and fibrous, so you want to get rid of it. If the stems are thicker than a pencil, you can also peel them with a vegetable peeler. This will make the stems more tender and easier to cook.

Step 2: Separate the leaves

Broccoli raab has large, deep-green leaves that need to be separated and washed individually. Gently pull the leaves away from the stem, trying to keep them intact as much as possible. Some recipes call for the stems to be cooked separately, while others may discard them altogether.

Step 3: Soak in cold water

Fill a large bowl with cold water and put the broccoli raab leaves in it. Move them around with your hands to loosen any dirt or sand. Let them soak for a few minutes. The cold water will help remove any soil or debris stuck to the leaves. If the water becomes murky, drain it and refill with fresh water. Do this until the water stays clear.

Step 4: Rinse under running water

After soaking, rinse each leaf under running water, making sure to wash away any remaining dirt or sand. Hold the leaves up to the light to check if any dirt or insects are still present.

Step 5: Spin dry or dry with a towel

To remove any excess water, use a salad spinner or pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel. You can also let them air dry for a few minutes if you don’t have a salad spinner handy.

Step 6: Chop and cook

Now that your broccoli raab is clean, you can chop it into bite-sized pieces and cook it according to your recipe. Boiling, sautéing, or blanching are common cooking methods for broccoli raab. The leaves will wilt quickly, so be sure not to overcook them.

In conclusion, cleaning broccoli raab is a straightforward process that requires a bit of patience and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can remove all the dirt and sand from the leaves, and enjoy the nutritious and delicious taste of this leafy vegetable. Be sure to add it to your next pasta dish or sauté it with garlic and olive oil for a healthy and flavorful side dish.

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