Experimentation yields results -  just not always the results we expect.  Such is the case with our trail planting of the Italian broccoli, Cavolo Broccolo a Getti di Napoli.  The picture on the seed packet indicates that this sprouting broccoli is harvested mainly for it's leaves, but those leaves (and the shoots of sprouting broccoli) are reported to be slender and spear-like. 

Well...not so much. 

While it's true that this is a prolific plant, just as it is purported to be:


This plant stands 40 inches tall

I've yet to see a single sprout or slender leaf that remotely resembles the cover of the seed packet. 


Big broad broccoli leaves with no shoots

At first I was waiting to harvest the leaves until the shoots appeared.  Perhaps the shoots will come later, but I can't wait any longer. 



So now what?  A recipe, of course!

Cavolo Broccolo a Getti di Napoli goes by several other names, including Spigariello and Minestra Nera, which means "black soup".  Recipes are mostly available in Italian, which makes Google Translator a handy thing to have.  If you view this link in Firefox, you can translate it into English easily.

http://www.coquinaria.it/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/5/259.html  - a simple dish, boiling the greens, then sauteing them with olive oil, garlic and chili flakes.

Another recipe that I plan to try is this one from Sweet Delights of Home (dolcideliziedicasa.blogspot.com):

http://dolcideliziedicasa.blogspot.com/2011/01/zuppa-di-minestra-nera-con-fagioli.html

Roughly translated:



Sounds dreamy, yes?

What would you do with this odd vegetable?  Post your suggestions here.