Bitter broccoli rabe is a great example of a vegetable that is transformed by heat. It's sharp edges soften and it's flavor mellows. When cooked simply with olive oil and salt it becomes silky and tender and it's inherent sweetness comes to the fore balancing out the bitter notes. I find it utterly addictive.
Cooking it in the wood fired oven speeds up the process considerably. At 550° F. it takes very little time for the vegetable to soften and caramelize. Cooking it in a covered vessel concentrates it's juices and keeps everything underneath moist and delicious. The top gets crispy and crunchy and, even with the lid on, the flavor of smoke permeates the vegetables. It's a perfect side dish for pizza or roasted chicken or almost anything at all.
And if you happen to have some olives marinated with citrus zest and rosemary, it's never a bad thing to mix a few in and really take things to the next level. A good pantry will always serve you well.
Years Past
Ideas in Food: Great Recipes and Why They Work
Maximum Flavor: Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook
Gluten Free Flour Power: Bringing Your Favorite Foods Back to the Table
