Orecchiette with Sicilian broccoli are a comforting first course for this season and, above all, quick and easy to prepare. This recipe is born from Apulian tradition, passes through the Sicilian fields and ends up sautéed in Roman pans.
Sicilian broccoli, unlike Romanesco broccoli, has a much more delicate flavor and is perfect with fresh pasta, especially orecchiette. If you want to try making them yourself, watch the video tutorial for homemade orecchiette. I have just a small recommendation: use good quality extra virgin olive oil, and in just 30 minutes you’ll make a delicious first course that’ll make you lick your lips!!
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Low cost
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4 Servings
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1.1 lb orecchiette (fresh)
- 1.3 lb broccoli (Sicilian)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 anchovies (in oil)
- 1/4 hot chili pepper
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- to taste fine salt
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Tools
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Preparation
1 – Put the pot of water on the heat, and while you wait for the water to boil prepare the Sicilian broccoli.
2 – Wash the broccoli under running water and trim the green florets, discarding the thicker stems.
3 – In a large pan for cooking the braised broccoli (a pasta sauté pan is ideal), put 4 tablespoons of olive oil, one whole smashed garlic clove and the Sicilian broccoli florets. Add 1 ladle of hot water, cover the pan with a lid and let the vegetables cook for 15 minutes.
4 – When the broccoli are cooked, remove them from the pan, discard the garlic and set them aside. Put the pan or sauté pan back on the heat adding a few tablespoons of olive oil, the other garlic clove, the chopped anchovies and the chopped chili pepper.
5 – When the garlic is golden and the anchovies have melted into the oil, the soffritto is ready. Take back the broccoli and add them to the soffritto, tossing them in the pan for a few minutes so they absorb the flavors.6 – Meanwhile the orecchiette will be ready; drain them al dente and throw them directly into the sauté pan with the broccoli. Toss everything together, adding a ladle of the cooking water.
7 – Taste the orecchiette with Sicilian broccoli and if needed, before serving add a pinch of salt.
