Schiacciate with Spicy Turnip Greens and Sausage: A Perfect Italian Antipasto
This delightful recipe, Schiacciate with Spicy Turnip Greens and Sausage, is an Italian antipasto that combines the bold flavors of spicy turnip greens (cime di rapa) and savory sausage, all atop a crisp, golden schiacciata base. A traditional dish from southern Italy, it’s both vibrant and packed with flavor, making it the perfect start to any meal. The combination of fresh ingredients, rich olive oil, and the touch of heat from the chili will surely impress your guests.
Servings: 12
Category: Antipasto
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Turnip greens (cime di rapa) | 350g |
| Sausage (crumbled) | 100g |
| Fresh chili pepper | 1 |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Schiacciata bread | 12 small pieces |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 230 |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the turnip greens: Start by washing the turnip greens thoroughly. Remove any tough stems and damaged leaves. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces and blanch them in boiling salted water for 5 minutes. This will soften the greens while maintaining their vibrant color.
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Sauté the greens: In the meantime, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic clove, halved, and the chopped fresh chili pepper. Let them sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant, infusing the oil with flavor.
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Combine the greens and sauté: Once the greens have blanched, drain them well and add them to the pan with the garlic and chili. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes, allowing the greens to absorb the spicy oil and flavors. Season with salt to taste, then set them aside.
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Cook the sausage: In a separate hot non-stick skillet, crumble the sausage and cook it until browned and crispy, stirring occasionally. Make sure the sausage is evenly cooked and fully browned.
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Assemble the schiacciate: To assemble the antipasto, take each piece of schiacciata and spread a teaspoon of the spicy turnip greens mixture on top. Add a few crumbled pieces of the cooked sausage to each piece for that rich, savory bite.
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Serve and enjoy: Once all the schiacciate are topped with the turnip greens and sausage, arrange them on a platter and serve immediately. This dish is perfect for sharing, offering a wonderful balance of spice, savory sausage, and the crisp texture of the schiacciata.
Tips for the Best Schiacciate with Spicy Turnip Greens and Sausage
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Schiacciata Bread: Schiacciata is a type of flatbread, often found in Tuscany, known for its light, fluffy texture and slightly crisped top. If you’re unable to find it, you can use a similar soft bread like focaccia, or even toasted baguette slices, as a base.
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Adjust the spice: If you prefer less heat, you can use half a chili or omit the fresh chili altogether. The dish will still be delicious with the garlic and sausage providing plenty of flavor.
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Make it ahead: If you’re preparing for a gathering, you can sauté the greens and sausage in advance, and then assemble the schiacciata just before serving. This will save you time and stress on the day of your event.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe captures the essence of Italian cooking with simple, fresh ingredients. The bitterness of the turnip greens balances perfectly with the richness of the sausage, while the slight heat from the chili pepper adds a delightful kick. Paired with the soft, yet slightly crunchy texture of the schiacciata, this antipasto is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a savory snack, these schiacciate with spicy turnip greens and sausage are an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore authentic Italian flavors with a modern twist.
Enjoy these bite-sized, flavorful treats as an appetizer, and your guests will be asking for the recipe!
