Stuffed Mozzarella with Turnip Greens

Name: Stuffed Mozzarella with Turnip Greens
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Mozzarella cheese PDO (200 g each) 4; Broccoli rabe 7 oz; Fresh chili pepper 1; White bread loaf 1.1 oz; Garlic 1 clove; Fine salt to taste; Extra virgin olive oil to taste

it de fr es br

Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Serving: 4

PRESENTATION

Mozzarella stuffed with broccoli rabe is this classic dish from Puglia, right down at the heel of Italy’s boot. You know, where cime di rapa is pretty much loved by everyone. This area is all about simple ingredients turning into something really, really special. And look, in this dish, you've got soft, milky mozzarella filled with sautéed cime di rapa. This leafy green has a tender bite, with just enough bitterness to keep things interesting.

A sprinkle of toasted bread crumbs adds crunch, and a hint of chili? Oh, it gives just the right kick. It’s the kind of dish Southern Italians make to impress without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. Honestly, mozzarella stuffed with broccoli rabe looks and tastes fancy but still feels like comfort food. The combo of moist cheese and savory greens is, for real, a game-changer.

In Puglia, people whip this up when cime di rapa is freshest, and that truly makes a difference. There are other stuffed mozzarella recipes across Italy, but using cime di rapa ties it straight back to this southern region. Even though it’s vegetarian, it’s super, super filling. Serve it as a starter or even the main thing. Some folks swap in rapini or other greens, but seriously, nothing beats the slightly crispy edges of cime di rapa after a quick sauté with garlic and chili.

This twist on mozzarella and broccoli rabe recipes is a refreshing switch-up from the usual caprese. It shows off how Italian cooks roll with the seasons and whatever's best at the market. The contrast of soft, golden cheese and tangy greens makes each bite really pop, and those toasted bread crumbs? They bring a crunchy finish that's amazing. Whether planning a meal for friends or just trying something new with Italian cheese and greens, this dish really gives you that wow factor without any stress.

How to prepare Stuffed Mozzarella with Turnip Greens

To prepare the stuffed mozzarella with turnip greens, start with the greens. Remove the hardest part of the stem 1 and wash them well 2. In a non-stick pan, pour a drizzle of oil, the garlic, and the chili pepper 3 and sauté for a few minutes.

Add the turnip greens 4 and let them wilt over medium heat for about 5 minutes 5. Add the salt, remove the garlic, and transfer to a small bowl 6, keeping the pan aside to toast the bread. Then take the chili pepper and slice it thinly.

Crumb the sliced bread into small pieces with your fingers 7 and transfer it into the pan where you cooked the turnip greens 8. Toast it, turning it occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent it from burning, and when it is well golden 9, turn off the heat.

Now, with the help of a small knife, cut the central part of the PDO mozzarella creating a cone-shaped hole 10. Extract the piece of mozzarella 12 and cut it into small cubes 13.