Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Patty Melts
I love Rachel Ray's recipes
I love Rachel Ray's recipes
- salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 pound broccoli rabe
- 1 1/2 pounds ground pork chicken or turkey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seed half a palmful
- 1 small chili pepper seeded and finely chopped or 1 teaspoon chili flakes or italian
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic grated or pasted
- 2 to 3 tablespoon onion finely grated with juice
- 1 tablespoon paprika a scant palmful
- 1/3 cup grated pecorino romano a rounded handful
- 8 slices hand-cut white bread no more than 1/2-inch thick
- 1/2 cup finely chopped giardiniera (hot pickled vegetables)
- 8 deli slices provolone cheese
- 2 to 3 tablespoons finely grated onion with juice
- Carbohydrate 53.582845015464 g
- Cholesterol 26.19734375 mg
- Fat 16.6850074250624 g
- Fiber 9.44964881234493 g
- Protein 14.2566331791992 g
- Saturated Fat 6.76743946307543 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (358g)
- Sodium 694.66837052757 mg
- Sugar 44.133196203119 g
- Trans Fat 3.78697193696495 g
- Calories 405 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and salt it.
- Blanch the broccoli rabe for 5 minutes, drain and cool.
- Finely chop and reserve.
- Place ground meat in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, fennel, chili, garlic, onion and juice, paprika, Romano, chopped rabe and a healthy drizzle of EVOO, twice around the bowl.
- Mix and form 4 large, thin patties about a half-inch thick.
- Heat a griddle or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook patties 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Remove to plate.
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Wipe pan clean.
- Brush bread on one side with melted butter.
- Build patty melts: a slice of bread with buttered side facing out, some relish, 1 slice of cheese, patty, another slice of cheese and bread with the buttered side facing up.
- Grill patty melts until deeply golden on both sides and cheese has melted.
- Cut patty melts corner to corner and serve.
Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Patty Melts: A Weeknight Winner
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the family fed, finding time for elaborate cooking feels like a luxury I rarely have. That's why I'm always on the lookout for quick, delicious recipes that don't compromise on flavor. This Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Patty Melt recipe has become a true lifesaver. It's packed with flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes, and the whole family devours it. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily swap out the ground pork for chicken or turkey, adjust the spice level to your preference, and even use different types of cheese. It’s incredibly versatile, which is perfect for busy weeknights when I need a meal that’s both quick and satisfying.
The unexpected combination of slightly bitter broccoli rabe, savory sausage, and melty provolone cheese creates a symphony of flavors. The giardiniera adds a delightful tangy kick that perfectly balances the richness of the sausage and cheese. The bread, crisped to golden perfection on the griddle, provides the perfect textural contrast. Honestly, the best part is watching my family enjoy this meal. It's a comforting classic with a gourmet twist, and it makes even the busiest weeknights feel a little bit brighter. I often double this recipe because leftovers are just as amazing! I love wrapping a leftover patty melt in foil and popping it in the oven for a quick and easy lunch the next day. It’s so convenient and delicious, it’s become a regular staple in our home.
Beyond the deliciousness, this recipe is incredibly budget-friendly. The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Using ground meat (and choosing chicken or turkey if you want a leaner option) keeps costs down while ensuring a filling meal. The simplicity of the recipe also translates to less cleanup, which is always a plus in my book. The whole process is pretty straightforward, even for beginner cooks. The kids can even help with some of the prep work, like chopping the vegetables or assembling the sandwiches, making it a fun family activity. This is much more than just a quick dinner; it’s a delicious way to connect and spend quality time together, even amidst a busy schedule.
Making it your own is another wonderful aspect of this recipe. Experiment with different types of bread for a unique flavor profile. Try sourdough, ciabatta, or even focaccia for a more rustic feel. Feel free to substitute different cheeses – mozzarella, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar would all work wonderfully. For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture or choose a spicier giardiniera. If you have dietary restrictions, you can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your needs. For example, you could use gluten-free bread and dairy-free cheese to make it a suitable meal for those with allergies or intolerances. The possibilities are endless!
This Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Patty Melt is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the fact that delicious, satisfying meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a recipe that embraces simplicity, celebrates flexibility, and delivers on flavor. It's the perfect embodiment of a busy weeknight meal that feels both comforting and special, a dish that brings my family together around the dinner table, even amidst the chaos of our everyday lives. Give it a try; you won't be disappointed!
