Experience the true essence of Italian gastronomy with our mouthwatering Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Anchovy Sauce. This dish is a culinary journey through Italy's rich flavors, bringing together a symphony of tastes, textures, and aromas that will transport you to the heart of Mediterranean cuisine.
Imagine a plate adorned with tender orecchiette pasta, each piece meticulously crafted to hold the essence of the sauce it cradles. Paired with the vibrant green of broccoli rabe, this dish is a celebration of nature's bounty, a perfect marriage of earthy bitterness and delicate pasta.
Here you can follow the steps of the original recipe and cook it at home!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz organic durum wheat semolina Orecchiette pasta
- 35 oz Broccoli rabe (Rapini)
- 5 fillets of anchovies in oil
- 2 oz breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Dried red chili pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli Rabe
- Clean the broccoli rabe by removing the outer leaves and using only the tender inner leaves and the flower. Wash the vegetable thoroughly and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
- In a non-stick pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and gently sauté one clove of garlic that's been slightly crushed. Remove the garlic and add the breadcrumbs. Toast the breadcrumbs over medium heat, stirring often. They should become crispy and golden without getting too dark. It's important to use good quality breadcrumbs that are not too finely ground. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Anchovy Sauce
- In an aluminum pan, combine a generous amount of olive oil, the second clove of crushed garlic, the anchovy fillets, and the dried red chili pepper. Heat everything on low heat until the garlic turns golden and the anchovies completely break down. Remove the clove of garlic.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli Rabe
- Meanwhile, cook the Orecchiette pasta in plenty of boiling salted water. After 5 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli rabe. Cook the pasta and broccoli rabe until they're both done.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Using a spider or a slotted spoon, directly transfer the cooked Orecchiette pasta and broccoli rabe into the pan with the garlic and anchovy oil. Toss the pasta until the sauce is well combined and the broccoli rabe starts to form a creamy texture around the Orecchiette. If needed, add a bit of pasta cooking water to help emulsify the sauce.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Finish the dish by sprinkling the fried breadcrumbs over the top.
Enjoy your delicious Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Anchovy Sauce!