Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pizza

It's been quite some time since I created any new pizza recipes, and although I didn't get broccoli rabe with the intention of using it in a pizza, this recipe fell into place organically when I was looking in my cabinets and refrigerator for inspiration. Broccoli rabe isn't for everyone since not everyone likes bitter greens, but this pizza will be right up your alley if you do. The bitterness of the greens is cut by the richness of the sausage, saltiness of the cheese, and sweetness of the pizza sauce, but if the broccoli rabe is the only component that doesn't appeal to you, try spinach instead. This pizza is a great balance of richness, saltiness, bitterness, and freshness and although it isn't too far off the beaten path, is a nice change from your typical sausage pizza. Like paninis and pasta, pizza can utilize nearly any ingredient you love, so don't be afraid to experiment and make the most of the farmer's market bounty available in the prime of summer.

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pizza
serves 3 to 4

1 bunch broccoli rabe
4 ounces ground Italian sausage
1 to 3 teaspoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed through a garlic press
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 12-inch whole grain pizza crust
One 8-ounce can pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Cook broccoli rabe in a 4-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, until tender, about 3 minutes. Drain well in a colander, then chop.

2. Meanwhile, cook Italian sausage in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until cooked through. Remove sausage from the pan and drain on paper towels, reserving rendered fat in the pan and adding olive oil to bring the total amount to approximately one tablespoon. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until garlic just begins to turn golden, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the sliced onions and cook until golden and caramelized, 20 to 30 minutes. Add broccoli rabe and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

3. Preheat oven to 450 degrees or according to pizza crust directions. Spread pizza sauce evenly over crust, top with the vegetable mixture, and sprinkle cheese over the top. Cook until cheese is melted and just starting to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Let rest for a couple minutes, then slice into 8 wedges and serve.