Winter Rice Salad with Turnip Greens and Ragusano

Name: Winter Rice Salad with Turnip Greens and Ragusano
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Basmati rice 1 ¾ cup; Broccoli rabe (to clean) 1.1 lbs; Ragusano cheese (PDO) 3.5 oz; Raisins 1.8 oz; Pine nuts 3 tbsp; Garlic 2 cloves; Dried chili pepper 1 tsp; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Black pepper to taste

it de fr es br

Gluten Free
Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Average

PRESENTATION

If you’re hunting for a dish that really captures the heart of Southern Italy during the cooler months, this winter rice salad with broccoli rabe and Ragusano cheese is just the thing. Really good stuff. Cime di rapa, also known as broccoli rabe, is a staple in many local dishes when the weather turns chilly. And look, when prepared with garlic and a hint of chili, these greens deliver an earthy, slightly bitter taste that feels both hearty and zesty. While basmati rice might not be the go-to in traditional Italian cooking, its fluffy texture is perfect here. It keeps the grains from clumping together. And the sauce? The real highlight, though, is the Ragusano cheese—nutty and tangy—which pairs beautifully with the greens, adding a layer of richness to every bite.

Bringing a touch of Sicilian tradition to your table, this broccoli rabe salad is perfect for a lunchbox or a cozy family dinner. I mean, Ragusano cheese comes from cows grazing in the Ragusa area—steeped in history—making it a cheese that really really has its region. Plus, in Southern Italy, pairing these seasonal greens with rice is pretty common. Whether in a risotto or a rice pie. But this cold rice salad version is extra convenient for those times when you need something simple yet delicious. The crunch of the fresh veggies and the melty cheese create a satisfying contrast that's hard to resist.

This is one of those Ragusano cheese recipes that fits any occasion. Pretty much. Lunch, dinner, or even as a starter for a family gathering. Each forkful offers a really good mix of tender greens, creamy cheese, and that savory kick from the chili and garlic. For anyone keen on exploring new Italian winter salad ideas or seeking a fresh twist on seasonal rice dishes, this recipe is sure to make winter feel a whole lot warmer and inviting. Seriously good.

How to prepare Winter Rice Salad with Turnip Greens and Ragusano

To prepare the winter rice salad with turnip greens and Ragusano, start by cooking the basmati rice in salted boiling water, for the time indicated on the package 1 2. Meanwhile, in a large non-stick pan, toast the pine nuts 3, frequently turning the pan for even browning: it will only take a few minutes.

Soak the raisins for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, shave the Ragusano cheese 4 and clean the turnip greens 5, wash them, pat them dry, and place them in a pan with 2 cloves of garlic in their skins and a drizzle of oil 6.

To help them wilt better, you can moisten with a couple of ladles of the rice cooking water 7, then cover with the lid 8 and cook for about 10 minutes over medium heat, remembering to stir and check occasionally. Once ready, add the drained raisins to the pan with the greens 9.

Also add the dried chili 10. Drain the rice 11 and transfer it to a large bowl, then season with a drizzle of oil 12.

Mix 13, add the seasoned greens 14 and let it cool slightly. At this point, also add the Ragusano cheese 15.

Shortly before serving, complete with the toasted pine nuts 16 and mix 17. Here is your winter rice salad with turnip greens and Ragusano ready 18!

Storage

The winter rice salad with turnip greens and Ragusano can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Freezing is not recommended.

Advice

It is recommended to add the pine nuts at the last moment, before serving the salad, so they remain crunchy.

You can season with herbs or spices to taste!

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.

Winter Rice Salad with Turnip Greens and Ragusano

PRESENTATION

How to prepare Winter Rice Salad with Turnip Greens and Ragusano

Storage

Advice

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