Serves 4
Prepare 15 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Background
Orecchiette is a pasta originating from Apulia in the very south of Italy. Literally translating at ‘small ears’, this pasta works best when combined with a simple, clear flavours. The pasta itself is robust and has a substance to it therefore I have found it works best in recipes with distinct flavours. For me, the recipe below is an absolute favourite and being vegan means it’s friend to many. Once again it’s quick, tasty and healthy – any excuse to add chill to recipes is good for me! NB. I recommend small red chillies such as Bird’s Eye or Demon Red.
Ingredients
· 1 large head or 2 small heads of broccoli (approximately 360g)
· 360g dried orecchiette
· 2 – 4 small red chillies (2-3 tsp), thinly sliced (remove seeds for a less intense flavour)
· 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
· 4-6 anchovy fillets, chopped (optional)
· ½ lemon zest and juice
· 2 tbsp olive oil
· Salt
· Black pepper
To Serve
· Grana Padano or Parmesan, finely grated
To Drink
· Tenuta Pernice Ortrugo Frizzante, Frizzante White, Piacenza, Italy or
· Cantina Valsmoggia Pignoletto Fermo Superiore, Still White, Bologna , Italy
Method
1. Boil a saucepan of salted water and add the orecchiette. Cook until al dente.
2. Chop and then break-up the broccoli into small florets about the size of a 1p piece. Discard the thicker parts of the broccoli stem.
3. Wash the broccoli, steam for 4 minutes and set aside without the lid on.
4. Meanwhile heat a sauté pan and add the oil. Add the chillies, garlic and anchovies and fry for 90 seconds until the anchovies fall apart into small flakes. Take off the heat and add the lemon zest.
5. Throw in the broccoli and mix well.
6. Add the pasta to sauté pan and mix well.
7. Serve immediately with the finely grated cheese and a glass of Italian white wine.