LEAF GREENS/CIMA DI RAPA

Chard, spinach and turnip greens (cima di rapa, rapini) are a highly nutritious group of vegetables that, despite their bad press, have a wonderful flavour. In Italy, they are usually prepared simply by blanching in boiling water until "al dente", drained and finished briefly with a little olive oil, garlic and chilli and served as a side dish or with pasta. Chard leaves and spinach are commonly teamed with cheeses such as ricotta and fetta or incorporated int vegetable dishes such as erbazzone (see recipe). The white stems of CHARD verde a costa bianca are excellent when par-boiled and finished with a white sauce and parmesan and run under the griller.