Lentil and Broccoli Rabe with Turnip Spaghetti

Lentils and Broccoli Rabe with Turnip Spaghetti

I’m always amazed when I post something up on Instagram after I make it and...

Lentil and Broccoli Rabe with Turnip Spaghetti

I’m always amazed when I post something up on Instagram after I make it and then that evening or that next day, someone has made it – without a recipe!

I think this is a testament to how simplistic spiralized cooking is. You don’t need to be a classically trained chef to whip up delicious, gourmet-tasting meals in minutes.

Today’s recipe was posted up on my Instagram on Thursday and then this reader made it, without a recipe! I couldn’t be prouder and happier!

Lentil and Broccoli Rabe with Turnip Spaghetti

But really, I feel like spiralizing has taught me so many new cooking techniques, just through trial and error. I’ve said it many times before and I’ll say it again – food blogging has become my own personal cooking school, taught by Dr. Google and Professor YouTube.

I still flirt with the idea of going to cooking school or doing an internship at a restaurant. I’m sure I will one day, but right now, the Inspiralized cookbook, the Inspiralizer and my wedding have my hands full.

Lentil and Broccoli Rabe with Turnip Spaghetti

Speaking of my wedding (!!), I took over WeddingWire’s Instagram on Saturday and shared some special moments from my wedding planning process so far – like when I found the perfect 3″ heeled bridal shoes, when we went shopping for wedding bands and I struggled and when my mother and I took a Pinterest-worthy picture with our Starbucks’ coffees!

Now, I’m in wedding-crunch mode. We’re three months out and I find myself waking up in the middle of the night thinking, “Oh no! What if the mini glass bottles for the favors don’t arrive in time?”

So silly.

Lentil and Broccoli Rabe with Turnip Spaghetti

Anyway, enough wedding talk – time for this recipe. I’m a huge broccoli rabe fan, so this dish is a dream. If you don’t like broccoli rabe, this may not be your jam – but I suggest giving it a try!

Lentils provide a clean, lean source of protein with a great texture alongside the softness of the broccoli rabe. The turnip spaghetti is strong enough to hold up against this heavy sauce.

Lentil and Broccoli Rabe with Turnip Spaghetti

The turnip noodles are also boiled with the same water from the broccoli rabe, which gives them a nice earthy taste and masks the radish-like taste of the turnip.

And if you’re feeling spunky, grate some fresh parmesan cheese on top!

How do you feel about broccoli rabe? Too bitter or do you love it?

Nutritional Information & Recipe

Inspiralized

Lentil and Broccoli Rabe with Turnip Spaghetti

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch broccoli rabe
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large garlic clove minced
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 onion finely chopped
  • 1 carrot finely chopped
  • 1 celery stick finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup dry lentils
  • 1.5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with liquid
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 medium turnips peeled, Blade C, noodles trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley to garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot filled halfway with water to a boil. While you wait for it to reach a boil, prepare the rabe: remove any tough or damaged outer leaves of the broccoli rabe and then peel the thick lower stems from the broccoli rabe (this takes out some of the bitterness.) Rinse and pat dry to remove any excess dirt.
  • Once the water is boiling, add in the broccoli rabe. Let cook for 1 minute and then remove with a slotted spoon or tongs and set aside. Bring the water back to a boil and add in the turnip noodles and let cook 2 minutes or until al dente. Drain into a colander and set aside, divided into two bowls and covered to keep warm.
  • Pat dry the broccoli rabe and chop into 1” pieces and set aside.
  • Place the large pot back over medium heat and add in half of the olive oil. Once oil heats, add in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds or until aromatic and then add in the broccoli rabe. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the rabe absorb some flavor. Set aside and immediately add in the onions, celery and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften and onions are translucent. Stir in the lentils, broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, thyme and bay leaf and let cook, covered, for 15 minutes and then uncover and cook for another 15 minutes or until lentils are cooked through. Once lentils are cooked, remove the bay leaf and stir in the broccoli rabe, season with salt and pepper and let cook for another minute to warm the rabe.
  • Portion into bowls and serve, garnished with parsley.
with love, Ali

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comments

  • The broccoli rabe isn't a fan of my stomach, or vice versa , oh well. About simplistic, the best recipes include few ingredients, imo. I'm spiralizing apples for the spinach pecan cranberry salad for husband's surprise brunch today! Happy cooking everyone.
  • Hi Ali! I love your blog and recipes! Congratulations on your book and all your Inspiralzied success! I left a comment on another bloggers page about how much I love, love, LOVE your idea of using collard greens as wraps, and thought maybe I should tell YOU too! I saw your recipe here, and decided I would try them, and WOW, they have revolutionized my lunches. They pack well for work lunches, and along with my inspiralized ingredients, I've put everything in them from egg salad to BLT + avocado fixings. Everybody should try these - I thought they might be bitter, but they absolutely are not! Thank you, thank you - I never ever would have thought of using them (I've never cooked them or had them anywhere, thought they are readily available here). xo
  • What is broccoli rabe? Lots of foods you cook with maybe have different names in the UK - is this one?
    • It's the same as rapini.
    • We don't have rapini either lol. Googled the broccolli rabe, it's the little packs of broccolli buds with stalks attached, usually buy two packs £2 at Asda.
  • I never would have though to make turnip spaghetti before.. what a delicious and super healthy idea. I love it!
  • This dish looks so Spanish! We eat so many lentils here, but never with turnip spaghetti, can't wait to try that out!
  • Loving all the different turnip recipes, as has my husband!!! trying this one tonight!!! Broccoli rabe is an all time favorite as is lentils!!!! Can't wait!!!