BROCCOLI RABE AND PROVOLONE GRINDERS

Broccoli Rabe and Provolone Grinders image

Provided by Bon Appétit Test Kitchen

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 15-ounce can cannellini (white kidney) beans with liquid
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
4 bunches broccoli rabe (rapini, 4-5 pounds), ends trimmed
Kosher salt
1/2 cup olive oil, divided, plus more
1 head of garlic, cloves peeled and thinly sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons (or more) fresh lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper
8 6"-8"-long French rolls, split lengthwise
8 ounces thinly sliced provolone piccante or other aged provolone cheese
1 Fresno chile or red jalapeño, seeded, very thinly sliced

Steps:

Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat; add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring often, until garlic begins to turn golden, about 4 minutes. Add beans with liquid. Bring to a simmer; cook, stirring often, until liquid thickens, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a food processor; add 3 tablespoons oil. Process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook broccoli rabe, 1 bunch at a time, in a large pot of boiling salted water for 2 minutes (return to a boil between batches). Transfer broccoli rabe to a baking sheet; let cool. Squeeze dry; coarsely chop.
Heat a large pot over medium heat; add 1/4 cup oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring often, until garlic is fragrant and beginning to turn golden, 2-3 minutes. Add broccoli rabe; cook, stirring often, until stem pieces are just tender, 4-5 minutes. Add remaining 1/4 cup oil and 3 tablespoons lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and more juice, if desired. Spread out on a rimmed baking sheet and let cool. DO AHEAD: Can be made one day ahead. Cover and chill.
Arrange racks in top and bottom thirds of oven; preheat to 400°F. Open rolls and arrange on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle generously with oil. Spread bean purée on one side of each roll; add broccoli rabe. Top with cheese, then chile. Toast, rotating pans after 5 minutes, until cheese is melted, 7-10 minutes. Top, slice, and serve.