Orecchiette With Broccoli Rabe Oregano And Lemon Recipes

BROCCOLI RABE AND ORECCHIETTE

Steps:

• Place a pot of water on the stove to bring to a boil for pasta. Cover pot to bring water to a boil. Salt the water to season it and add half a pound of "little ears" pasta. Cook to al dente, about 7 minutes.
• Trim ends off broccoli rabe, coarsely chop it and add it to a deep skillet. Add 2 or 3 cups of water to the pan. Cover the pan and bring the broccoli rabe to a boil. When the rabe wilts down into the pan, salt it. Simmer the rabe for about 7 minutes until tender and no longer bitter. The color should remain deep green. Drain the rabe and reserve. Return the deep skillet to the stove and place it over medium heat. Add 5 turns of the pan of extra-virgin olive oil, chopped garlic, crushed red pepper flakes and saute 2 to3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add broccoli rabe and turn to coat them in garlic oil. Drain pasta reserving 3/4 cup of pasta water. Add the pasta and water to the pan. Toss pasta and broccoli rabe with lots of grated cheese, salt and pepper, to your taste. Serve immediately.

ORECCHIETTE WITH BROCCOLI RABE, CHILIES AND LEMON

Steps:

• Heat a few inches of water in deep skillet to boil; prepare an ice bath in large bowl. Add broccoli rabe and salt to boiling water and cook 3 minutes. Drain and transfer to ice water. Drain again and dry.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil and the sausage. Crumble and brown sausage. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Heat a large pot of water to boil for pasta and salt water once boiling. Add pasta and cook 1 minute shy of al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup starchy water and drain pasta.
• Meanwhile, chop broccoli rabe into bite-sized pieces. Heat EVOO, 4 turns of the pan, over medium heat, add broccoli rabe and a pinch of salt and toss. Add garlic, fennel pollen and seed, chili peppers and zest of 1 lemon and stir and toss a minute or two.
• Add the pasta to broccoli rabe along with a couple of handfuls of pecorino cheese and lemon juice. Toss the pasta 1 minute and use starchy water if the pasta gets dry. Serve pasta in shallow bowls with or without sausage on top.