The nearest most people will be able to get to the Italian favourite, cime di rape (actually a form of rape), are small spears of purple sprouting broccoli. In the south of Italy, when cime di rape is in season, it is constantly used, mostly as a side dish to fish and meat, but also by itself as a minestra, braised to be eaten with bread. The combination with chicory and polenta, as here, is my favourite.