Orecchiette with Broccoli and Tomatoes |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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Balsamic vinegar adds a hint of sweetness to this savory sauce. If the slight sweet-and-sour effect isn't to your taste, either omit the vinegar completely or use wine vinegar instead. The effect will be different, but no less delicious. Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil |
2 cloves garlic, minced |
1 1/2 pounds broccoli, thick stems peeled, halved lengthwise, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces, tops cut into small florets (about 1 1/2 quarts in all) |
1 teaspoon salt |
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper |
1 2/3 cups canned diced tomatoes with their juice (one 15-ounce can) |
1/4 cup canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock |
3/4 pound orecchiette |
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar |
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley |
2 tablespoons butter |
Directions:
1. In a large deep frying pan, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the garlic and broccoli stems and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Add the broccoli florets, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper. Stir to coat with the oil.
2. Add the tomatoes and broth to the broccoli and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the broccoli is tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the orecchiette until done, about 15 minutes. Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the broccoli. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the vinegar, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, the parsley, and butter. Stir gently until the butter just coats the pasta.
4. Wine Recommendation: With its tomato-and-vinegar based sauce, this pasta cries out for a light, tart Italian red such as Valpolicella. The wine's crisp cherry flavor will act as a perfect foil for this dish.
5. Notes: Broccoli stems are a delicious vegetable in their own right. Peel the thick skin and then slice or cut the stems into pieces. If you're cooking them with the florets, either cut the stems into quite small pieces so they'll be done at the same time, or cook them for a few minutes before adding the florets.
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