Roasted Broccoli Rabe & 3-Cheese Hero Recipe

Ingredients

• For the Broccoli Rabe:
• 1 pound broccoli rabe, about 1 large bunch or 2 small bundles, split thicker stalks
• lengthwise and trim off the tough and fibrous ends (substitute a few bundles of broccolini
• for milder choice)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), if making meat-fre
• 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons Calabrian chili paste, or 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
• Salt
• If making with sausage:
• 2 links each sweet Italian sausage with fennel seed and hot Italian sausage, remove
• casings, optional
• For the Sun-Dried Tomato Sandwich Spread:
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, not oil-packed
• 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted in oven or skillet to golden
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tablespoon wine vinegar, red or white
• 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or marjoram
• 1 cup basil leaves, packed
• About 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, EVOO
• For ricotta spread:
• 2 cups fresh ricotta, sheep or cow milk
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• EVOO, a drizzle
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• build sandwiches:
• 4 hero rolls, 10-12-inch Italian bread-style rolls, split
• 1 pound smoked mozzarella, thinly sliced
• Pickled sliced cherry peppers, optional