Giada De Laurentiis Shares Her Favorite Vegetable

In-Season Vegetables Take Center Stage

As we’re in the midst of summer, it’s no surprise that in-season vegetables are at the top of our minds. We’re huge fans of whipping up a big, fresh summer salad or an easy roasted veggie side dish.

The Importance of Favorite Vegetables

But everyone has their own go-to vegetable. Alton Brown loves asparagus, Jenna Bush Hager can’t get enough of broccoli, and I’m a sucker for sweet potatoes – I add them to my spinach salad every day for lunch, no matter the season.

Giada De Laurentiis’ Favorite Vegetable

Through a conversation with EatingWell about her new gluten-free pasta line, we asked celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis to share her favorite vegetable. And, as it turns out, it’s a dark green leafy green that’s packed with vitamins and minerals.

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Broccoli Rabe: The Unsung Hero

“I love broccoli rabe – I can always count on my daughter, Jade, to eat it, too,” De Laurentiis tells EatingWell. For those who may be unfamiliar, broccoli rabe is a leafy green in the turnip family, known for its faint bitter taste and impressive nutritional profile.

Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli Rabe

Rich in vitamins A and C, broccoli rabe is great for eye health and immune health, respectively. And, as De Laurentiis notes, it’s incredibly versatile – “I love how quick-cooking and versatile it is,” says EatingWell’s nutrition editor and dietitian, Jessica Ball, M.S., RD. “I think its slightly-bitter flavor lends itself well to everything from a stir fry to a creamy pasta. Plus, it’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.”

Preparing Broccoli Rabe

There are plenty of ways to prepare broccoli rabe. It’s commonly found in Italian cuisine as a side with olive oil and garlic, like our Broccoli Rabe with Olives & Garlic (Broccoli di Rape Stufati) recipe. It can also be added to sandwiches – try it instead of spinach on a Cheesy Chicken alla Vodka Sandwich.

Giada De Laurentiis’ Go-To Preparation Method

So, what’s De Laurentiis’ go-to way to make broccoli rabe? She reveals that she usually prepares it in her Chicken with Broccoli Rabe Pasta, a bright and easy 15-minute dinner recipe. “You’ve got protein and veg, so it’s a simple weeknight dish,” she says.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Giada De Laurentiis has shared her favorite vegetable with us, and it’s clear that broccoli rabe is a true unsung hero. With its impressive nutritional profile and versatility in the kitchen, it’s no wonder that De Laurentiis loves it so much. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or just looking for a new way to add some excitement to your meals, broccoli rabe is definitely worth trying.

FAQs

Q: What is broccoli rabe?
A: Broccoli rabe is a dark green leafy green in the turnip family, known for its faint bitter taste and impressive nutritional profile.

Q: What are the nutritional benefits of broccoli rabe?
A: Broccoli rabe is rich in vitamins A and C, making it great for eye health and immune health, respectively.

Q: How can I prepare broccoli rabe?
A: There are plenty of ways to prepare broccoli rabe, including sautéing it with olive oil and garlic, adding it to sandwiches, and incorporating it into pasta dishes.

Q: What is Giada De Laurentiis’ favorite way to prepare broccoli rabe?
A: De Laurentiis likes to prepare broccoli rabe in her Chicken with Broccoli Rabe Pasta, a bright and easy 15-minute dinner recipe.