7 November 2007
what’s cooking wednesday: pasta with broccoli
The first thing you should note about this week’s What’s Cooking Wednesday is that I didn’t write “Orecchiette con Broccoli/Cime di Rapa.”
Why is that important?
Because all those fancy Italian words would mean that we’re making a traditional dish from Puglia, Italy’s heel and home of yesterday’s birthday boy Jeff (it was also our Roam 2 Rome‘er’s big day!).
As it is, what I offer below diverges greatly from that recipe–go to Judith in Umbria for the real deal, the one with anchovies. Yum!
And to see orecchiette (pasta shaped like little ears), head over to Michellanea and Delinissima.
For the record, I even found a Sicilian version of “broccoli pasta” here, which adds way more stuff than I’ve ever seen in this dish. Then again, I’m not in Sicily.
On the bright side, no matter how you make it, it’s yet another fast, easy, and tasty dish, and you know how much we like those around here.
So why have we diverged so greatly from the norm? Well P was cooking as a result of his loss in our little game the other night, and he’s not fond of anchovies in this (although generally loves them) or orecchiette (ever).
And we also like cheese on it, which is apparently another no-no. Eh. So long as it tastes good, right?
And believe me, this does.
Fun Italian fact before we get to the good stuff? Broccoli is an Italian word, so here’s at least one thing you can order when you come even if you don’t speak the language.
Pasta with Broccoli
Bunch of broccoli, about 8 oz. worth, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1-3 peperoncini depending on your tastes, chopped
Salt to taste
Short pasta of your choice, such as penne shown above
Pecorino Romano to garnish (optional)
First clean the broccoli and put it in a pot of salted boiling water. Let it cook for about 8 minutes so that it’s still a bit crunchy. Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon and set aside. Don’t discard the water.In the meantime, prepare the rest of the ingredients.
After you’ve removed the broccoli, bring water back to a boil and then add pasta.
Now you can start the sauce by heating olive oil over medium heat and then adding garlic. Fry it for a few minutes, let it brown but (unlike Usher) don’t let it burn. Then add peperoncini and let fry for another minute or so.
By this time your pasta should be almost done, so you can add the broccoli to the pan and mix well with the other ingredients. Also add about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Remember you don’t want the broccoli to cook too much more; it doesn’t need to be in there long.
When the pasta is al dente, drain and toss with sauce, taking out the garlic first if you like. I usually do because neither of us likes to eat the cloves.
Serve hot and garnish with grated Pecorino Romano cheese (and extra peperoncino if you can handle it!) at the table.
Buon appetito!
Today I’m thankful for:
Seasonal eating and the awesome, fresh, organic produce that I can get from our own garden, from my neighbors, from P’s family, and from our markets. I eat so much healthier here than I ever did in the States, and a big part of that is just how good, available, and affordable the produce is here.
And I love that there’s a time of year for everything and that’s when we eat it. I was just complaining to Amanda at Figs, Olives, Wine the other day that we hadn’t gotten any good broccoli yet, and then it appeared at the market the next morning.
You see, I’m craving it because late fall/early winter is when we can have it–the only time we can have it. So now we’ll eat it for a good month, two months maybe, get sick of it and quickly become enamored with a newly in-season vegetable or type of bean or whatever.
It’s amazing how easily your body falls into a natural eating rhythm when it’s not inundated with choices, and I think this is a good thing. I know that I appreciate broccoli, for instance, so much more because I can’t have it all the time.
And for all of these things, I am thankful.
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Technorati Tags: pasta, broccoli, recipe, cooking, nablopomo, 30 days of thanks, seasonal eating
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Jeff Gromen on 07 Nov 2007 at 10:16 am #
Excellent. This is a dish I can make and without writting everything down. But only in secrecy of my own kitchen as it goes against the “norms”. I was trying to think the other day what other type of pasta goes with broccoli. Like you said, the people around here will only say orecchiette.
Grazie,
Jeff
sognatrice on 07 Nov 2007 at 10:59 am #
Jeff, yes please do keep this in your kitchen, and don’t tell anyone where you got it from either
Roam2Rome on 07 Nov 2007 at 11:01 am #
…that’s one thing I definitely miss! Fresh organic food that’s more affordable, too!
Like Jeff said, the recipe is great because it’s easy to remember, and I find elegance in simplicity.
With rich flavorful natural ingredients, what more do we need?
sognatrice on 07 Nov 2007 at 11:10 am #
Roamer, look at that–the two birthday celebrators are the first two comments
Almost everything we make around here is easy to remember–we don’t have a lot of choice on ingredients (unless I get things shipped in), so that definitely helps
Absolute Vanilla (and Atyllah) on 07 Nov 2007 at 11:44 am #
Yum. Reminds me a bit of my own pasta with broccoli recipe – I like to add some sun-dried tomatoes which seems to give all the other flavours a bit of a lift. Another alternative is some bacon with the broccoli though one has to watch salt content.
My Melange on 07 Nov 2007 at 1:12 pm #
I prefer your version, especially since if I am having pasta….it must have freshly grated cheese on top;)
Giulia on 07 Nov 2007 at 2:07 pm #
I make this dish often. Sometimes I even add a bit of sausage to it. I have never made it with orecchiette, only penne or spaghetti! I usually grate Grana Padana or Parmigiano Reggiano on it because I find Pecorino Romano to be too salty. It’s definitely one of those dishes that can be made many ways.
sognatrice on 07 Nov 2007 at 2:19 pm #
AV & A, yum–very nice additions you’ve mentioned
Robin, I love my cheese too!
Giulia, truth be told, that’s actually Grana in the photo. I love Pecorino on anything, though, so that’s what I’d use if I had it. Funny because normally I don’t like salty things, but Pecorino is a big exception that rule for me. LOVE it
qualcosa di bello on 07 Nov 2007 at 2:29 pm #
i’ll add to my list of gratitude today…your pasta recipe, so seasonal, so easy, so delish!
so on the menu very soon!
somepinkflowers on 07 Nov 2007 at 2:40 pm #
i am thankful for your
*what’s cooking wednesday*
as
i have been collecting
your yummy ideas
for sometime now
and
you have never steered me wrong,
not once!
i don’t care WHAT you call it,
if it tastes good,
i will eat it and want MORE.
i was just drawn that way…
Vanessa on 07 Nov 2007 at 2:44 pm #
You always present your dishes so beautifully! My husband (the cook in our house who’s big into presentation) would like you
Say hi to the puppies!
Vx
Rebecca on 07 Nov 2007 at 2:45 pm #
Well that decides “what’s for dinner” as soon as I’m feeling a bit better!!! Yum
Stefanie on 07 Nov 2007 at 3:21 pm #
The Italians get so much RIGHT that I really don’t want to criticize, but… cheese is a no-no?? I don’t care if that statement IS dish-specific; it’s still just wrong!!
Sara, Ms Adventures in Italy on 07 Nov 2007 at 3:26 pm #
Cime di rapa are actually turnip heads (or broccoli rabe) – much more bitter than actual broccoli. But I prefer your version – I love broccoli!
sognatrice on 07 Nov 2007 at 3:37 pm #
*Qualcosa, why that’s quite a compliment
*SPF, so happy to hear it! And I agree–the name doesn’t matter so long as it’s good! If it keeps you wanting more all the better
*Vanessa, usually the plates fall as they may and I snap photos, but this time I’ll admit to a little broccoli positioning. P spooned it out and some stray pieces fell off to the side of the dish. I rescued them, plopped them on top, and there’s the photo. Lighting could be better, but we tend to make these kinds of things in the evening, so no natural light unfortunately
*Rebecca, sorry to hear you haven’t been feeling well. Yes, I’d hold off on the broccoli then
*Stefanie, they’re weird about the cheese thing–it’s not allowed on seafood either (I know you don’t each much of that, but I’m just trying to make a point here). Anyway, I do happen to agree on the seafood/cheese no-no for the most part, although on seafood risotto, I think it’s lovely
*Sara, yes, I guess I could’ve explained the cime di rapa thing better, but I’ve never even seen them here anyway (or had a desire to find them), so I didn’t think anyone would be dying to know more about them. I threw that in there more for those already in the know on this dish, so they didn’t think I was pawning this off as that one.
I’ve seen a debate also including “broccoletti” and what they translate as well. I just didn’t have the energy.
In any event, I’ve never had the turnip heads, but I imagine I would like broccoli better too…broccoli lover here as well, even though I didn’t like it until I was in my late teens.
Sara on 07 Nov 2007 at 3:56 pm #
“orecchiette (pasta shaped like little ears)”
Yeah, like little puppy ears.
I adore pasta with broccoli, and now I know what I am having for lunch. Thank you!
Tui on 07 Nov 2007 at 4:04 pm #
Thank goodness it’s nearly lunchtime up here, ‘cuz that looks yummy!
Minnie on 07 Nov 2007 at 4:31 pm #
Too Funny. I was planning on making broccoli and pasta tomorrow. My family usually does it with rigitoni. Now my mouth is watering.
nyc/caribbean ragazza on 07 Nov 2007 at 5:33 pm #
Broccoli is one of my favorite veggies yet I have never made it with pasta. Now I have a new recipe to try out. Grazie mille
Miss Eliza on 07 Nov 2007 at 5:35 pm #
My gandpa Manzo always makes this – just exactly like you do. Who knew? I always thought he’d made it up as a way to use leftover broccoli.
sognatrice on 07 Nov 2007 at 5:59 pm #
*Sara, good to know I’m not the only one who is a bit obsessed, er, focused on puppydom
*Tui, lunchtime, sheesh! What time do you eat dinner?!
*Minnie, rigatoni works too–in fact I bought rigatoni and penne and let P choose this time (since he was making it and all)
*NYC, you’ll love this. So easy and fast!
*Miss Eliza, yeah, well there’s definitely *that* aspect to the dish as well
cheeky on 07 Nov 2007 at 6:10 pm #
I just bought a big bunch of broccoli yesterday. Now i have a recipe to make it with. Yummy.
It is wonderful that you do eat what’s in season. It is the way it’s suppose to be. Eating well and proper does = good health.
I’m loving your 30 days of thanks.
xo
flutter on 07 Nov 2007 at 6:10 pm #
can I please come live with you?
sognatrice on 07 Nov 2007 at 6:12 pm #
*Cheeky, what great timing! Great minds think alike
*Flutter, hmm, how much do you eat?
Jen of A2eatwrite on 07 Nov 2007 at 6:24 pm #
This looks wonderful – and it’s market day and we DO have broccoli – guess I’m heading over there on the way to pick up DS from school.
Miss Mrs...a blog of everyday delights on 07 Nov 2007 at 6:39 pm #
Gosh, that looks delicious!!!!!
Karina on 07 Nov 2007 at 7:00 pm #
Probably a bad idea for me to come check out “What’s Cooking Wednesday” before I’ve had lunch and knowing that all I have for lunch is a lousy Lean Cuisine frozen pizza…sigh…
Oh well, I’ll just look at the picture of the meal P made, and pretend that’s what I’m eating! haha
Looks delish.
Judith in YUMMMMbria on 07 Nov 2007 at 7:29 pm #
Ha! I had it for lunch today, but my Bari version with the anchovies. You know, you can’t tell they’re in there, because they dissolve and just make the flavor better. It’s also one of only two recipes I have in which the garlic is browned.
I always thought the no cheese thing was because of the anchovy. Can’t see a reason for no cheese in your version.
Happy birthday to all of you sexy Scorpios.
sognatrice on 07 Nov 2007 at 7:34 pm #
*Jen, woohoo! Market day!
*Miss Mrs, and vegetarian too
*Karina, don’t worry, I definitely ate your share as well. And probably the share of at least another person.
*Judith, *I* trust the original recipe with the anchovies; my darling Calabrian, however, doesn’t trust anything from Puglia
I exaggerate, although not by much….
heartinsanfrancisco on 07 Nov 2007 at 7:45 pm #
I love broccoli. Pasta, too.
I am a vegetarian so of course, fresh produce is very important to me. And your recipe sounds delicious!
Eryn on 07 Nov 2007 at 7:49 pm #
ooo this looks yummy!!!
p.s. i’ve made your pasta e cecci soup twice now. alex and i LOVE it. I’m having it for dinner again tonight (we have tons of leftovers!!!)
Judith in YUMMMMbria on 07 Nov 2007 at 8:10 pm #
I want to try that Sicilian one! Interesting, plus maybe it will make me a girl Montalbano. With hair.
Italiana Americana on 07 Nov 2007 at 8:58 pm #
That’s hilarious! Today I cooked pasta and broccoli seperately for lunch and pulled out the pecorino romano cheese, I said there has to be some way to combine the 2! But i ate them seperately crazy!
sognatrice on 07 Nov 2007 at 9:05 pm #
*Heart, how lovely to see you here; glad you like the looks of this one
*Eryn, I’m so happy to hear about the soup! Thanks for coming back to let me know–from the recipe I posted, we usually have at least one bowl leftover too…great for me for lunch the next day
*Judith, yes, hair would be pretty important on a girl Montalbano. And anyway, speaking of delicious….
*Italiana, that is pretty funny–what a coincidence! See I was trying to send you the message telepathically, but I guess it got a bit confuzzled in transmission
witnessing am i on 07 Nov 2007 at 9:50 pm #
Every Wednesday I visit here and every Wednesday I wish there existed Scratch n’Sniff monitors. How glorious that would be.
Then again, I probably don’t need it, especially after this morning. Let me just say that it is very embarassing to be caught licking and nibbling on one’s monitor, especially here at work.
anno on 07 Nov 2007 at 10:18 pm #
Yum! Thanks to you, Wednesday night dinners are rapidly becoming my family’s favorite! This sounds like a sneaky way to make something both healthy and delicious!
Delina on 07 Nov 2007 at 10:34 pm #
This is one of my favourite winter dihses. There’s some lovely looking fresh broccoli around now too. Must make this soon.
Bobbie in Alaska on 07 Nov 2007 at 10:49 pm #
Hello!
I have recently discovered your blog through a favorite of mine. I am really enjoying reading and learning about life in Italy. I appreciate your “what’s cooking wednesday” as I am always looking for new ideas for dinner.
Take care!
Jeni on 07 Nov 2007 at 11:19 pm #
I dunno there – broccoli is by far and away my most favorite of vegetables and I am really, REALLY thankful that I can get frozen broccoli and keep it on hand -or go to the store and get fresh broccoli now and again (when the price isn’t sky-high, ya know.) The recipe though sounds like one I can fix here easily and keep the little four-year-old happy and maybe even get a touch of vegetable into her in the process. (She loves pasta anything -so do I – wonder where she got THAT gene, huh?)
BipolarLawyerCook on 08 Nov 2007 at 12:54 am #
Now that I try to avoid wheat gluten, I will serve a version of this (with 5 cloves of garlic, slow cooked in evoo on low (“confit”, freezes well), chopped, instead of fresh garlic, and red pepper flakes over polenta liberally seasoned with cheese, butter, and black pepper. Or we use the broccoli as a bed for a fried egg or two on really lazy nights.
Lisa Milton on 08 Nov 2007 at 3:35 am #
Looks heavenly. And the fresh produce sounds so wonderful – again, you make Italy sound so inviting.
Geggie on 08 Nov 2007 at 6:35 am #
I am so craving all things “fall” — pumpkin, squash, etc. Can’t wait for butternut squash raviloi and brown butter & sage.
Gil on 08 Nov 2007 at 6:39 am #
Sounds good. I would like the anchovies but my wife doesn’t like them and doesn’t use them.
sognatrice on 08 Nov 2007 at 9:11 am #
*Witness, I hope you cleaned your monitor before licking and nibbling!
*Anno, it is indeed.
*Delina, we just got in our first really good broccoli of the season; we’ve already had this dish twice.
*Bobbie, welcome! I’m so glad you found me, and I hope you’ll continue to enjoy your tour of the place!
*Jeni, if the 4-year-old will eat broccoli, you’ve really got a keeper there–it too me another 10 to 15 years to appreciate it!
*BLC, mmm, over polenta sounds lovely. I’ve never thought of the fried egg thing. We usually use onions as our bed, but the broccoli is an interesting twist.
*Lisa, well the fresh produce is certainly one aspect of Italy that’s inviting; there are quite a few that aren’t so inviting, but we’ll save those for another time
*Geggie, fall is definitely one of my favorite eating seasons too, although I love fruit, so summer really works well for me as well
*Gil, you should tell her that Judith says you can’t taste them at all–and she should know to trust Judith!
Judith in YUMbria on 08 Nov 2007 at 1:52 pm #
Yanno, Gil could like lock himself in the kitchen and make them and NOT TELL!
sognatrice on 08 Nov 2007 at 1:55 pm #
Excellent point Judith. Just one question–can we trust Gil with a stove?
Italianissima on 08 Nov 2007 at 9:23 pm #
Ummm, looks buono! You’ve been tagged! Go to my blog and read the directions to continue the game…or don’t go…la scelta e tua!
sognatrice on 09 Nov 2007 at 9:01 am #
Italianissima, I’m on my way