Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Strata
For the Broccoli Rabe
2 Bunches of Broccoli Rabe
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 Garlic Cloves
⅛ Tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
½ Tsp. Salt
To Make the Strata
8 Cups of Cubed Old Italian Bread
4 Cups of Milk
4 Eggs
2 Cups Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese plus extra for sprinkling
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Peppers
1 lb. of Cheese and Parsley Sausage – Out of the casing
1 tsp. Olive Oil
Butter to coat a 13 inch baking dish. I use Pyrex.
In a frying pan put the olive oil, red pepper flakes and garlic. Sauté on a low flame until the garlic is cooked through.
Next you need to blanch the broccoli rabe. Boil water in a pasta pot and add salt. Cut a half an inch off the lower stem of each broccoli rabe stalk. Boil the broccoli rabe for about six minutes until the stems get soft. Remove from the water and drain. Let it cool and chop into smaller pieces. Add it to the garlic and olive oil and sauté for about 5 to 10 minutes, adding the salt. Remove the garlic and remove from heat.
In another frying pan, add a tsp. of olive oil. Heat on a low flame then add the sausage. Break up the sausage using the side of your wooden spoon into small bits. You can raise the heat to medium if you need. Once the sausage is cooked through, turn off the flame.
Preheat your oven to 350°. Butter your baking dish. Then cut the bread into small pieces and add to the baking dish. It is best to use old bread for this. In a bowl mix the milk, the eggs, the grated cheese, the salt, and pepper. Add the broccoli rabe and sausage and combine well. Pour this mixture over the bread. Pat down any bread with your hand that is not covered in this mixture. Sprinkle some more grated cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil and let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes. The bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the center does not jiggle. Serve.
Please note. This can be made the night before. If you decide to do this, you must toast the bread on a baking sheet for a few minutes in the oven at 250°. Follow all the other directions above the same way.