Rapini, or broccoli rabe, is classically paired with garlic and red pepper flakes. I’ve added polenta, creamy white beans, and sweet cherry tomatoes for an Italian-themed brunch or light dinner.
To match the crispy roasted rapini we’re adding some crispy, olive-oil fried eggs, pulling the whole thing together with nice runny yolks.
PrintEggs and Polenta with Roasted Broccoli Rabe and Beans
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy white beans, cherry tomatoes and polenta with red pepper flakes are ready to take on crisp broccoli rabe and a fried egg with a bursting yolk.
Ingredients
- 8 oz / 225 g rapini or broccoli rabe, chopped into 2″ lengths
- 9 oz / 255 g (half a tube) prepared polenta, cut into 1/2″ rounds
- olive oil
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 14 oz / 400 g can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 5 oz / 140 g / 2 handfuls cherry tomatoes
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 4 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F / 220C.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, toss rapini with about 1 Tbs olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Scatter on half of pan. Place polenta slices on other side of pan and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for about 7 minutes, until rapini is just crisping.
- Meanwhile, in same bowl, combine beans, tomatoes, thyme and garlic, then season with salt and pepper. Flip polenta, stir rapini, then make some space on the sheet pan and pour mixture into pan. Bake for another 10 minutes, tossing once or twice, until tomatoes are just softened.
- While bean mixture bakes, heat 1 Tbs olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Crack eggs into pan and fry until edges are crispy but yolks are runny, 3-4 minutes.
- Remove pan from oven. To serve, place 2 slices of polenta on a plate and top with rapini and bean mixture. Add a fried egg, then season with salt and pepper.
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Main
- Cuisine: Italian Inspired
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I achieve crispy fried eggs for this recipe?
To achieve crispy fried eggs, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and gently crack the eggs into the hot oil, allowing the edges to cook until they are golden and crispy.
Can I use a different type of bean instead of white beans?
Yes, you can substitute white beans with other varieties like cannellini or chickpeas, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
What is the best way to roast the broccoli rabe?
Toss the broccoli rabe with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes, then spread it on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven until crispy, usually around 20 minutes at 425°F.
