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Sauteed Broccoli Rabe and Peas.

This vibrant vegan side dish brings a sophisticated balance of flavours to your dinner table. Sautéed broccoli rabe and peas offer a wonderful contrast between the slightly bitter, peppery notes of the leafy greens and the natural sweetness of garden peas. By gently infusing extra-virgin olive oil with smashed garlic before tossing the vegetables, you achieve a deep savoury aroma without the harshness of burnt garlic bits.

Quick and nutritious, this vegetable medley is an excellent way to add more greens to your weekly repertoire. It pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables, nutty grains, or a simple pasta dish. Because the broccoli rabe is blanched before hitting the frying pan, the texture remains perfectly crisp-tender while retaining its brilliant emerald colour. It is a simple yet elegant addition to any plant-based meal.

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Ingredients for Sauteed Broccoli Rabe and Peas.

  • 1 (3/4- to 1-lb) bunch broccoli rabe

  • 275g frozen peas (about 475ml )

  • 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 3 large garlic cloves, peeled and lightly smashed with side of a large knife

  • 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

How to make Sauteed Broccoli Rabe and Peas.

Trim stem ends from broccoli rabe and discard. Cut remainder crosswise into 1 1/2-inch pieces.

Cook broccoli rabe and peas in a 4- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water until broccoli rabe is wilted and stems are crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain well in a colander.

Heat oil with garlic in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat, turning garlic frequently, until garlic is golden, 1 to 2 minutes, then discard garlic.

Add broccoli rabe, peas, salt, and pepper to skillet and sauté, stirring, until well coated with garlic oil, about 2 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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