Savory Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Anchovy Infusion
Experience the rich flavors of Southern Italy with this delightful Orecchiette dish featuring broccoli rabe, a cherished ingredient known for its unique bitterness that perfectly balances the savory notes of garlic and anchovies. Originating from a historic butcher shop in Bari, Italy, run by the talented Leda Monzari, this recipe captures the essence of authentic Italian cuisine. The orecchiette, shaped like little ears, provide a wonderful texture that clings to the vibrant sauce, making each bite a taste of Italy. Topped with optional cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, your guests will be asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orecchiette
2 cups (uncooked)
Broccoli Rabe (Rappinni)
1 lb (washed and trimmed)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Anchovies
5 slices (chopped)
Cherry tomatoes
to taste (halved (optional))
Hot chili pepper flakes
to taste (for seasoning)
Olive oil
to taste (for cooking)
Instructions
1
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped garlic and hot chili pepper flakes. Sauté until the garlic turns golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3
While the garlic is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli rabe and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the stems are tender but still vibrant green.
4
Carefully strain the broccoli rabe, reserving the cooking water.
5
In the same pot of cooking water, bring to a boil again and add the orecchiette pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 9-11 minutes.
6
While the pasta is cooking, add the anchovy fillets to the garlic and oil mixture, breaking them up with a spatula and stirring until they dissolve.
7
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli rabe.
8
Add the drained pasta and broccoli rabe to the pan with the garlic and anchovy mixture. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy sauce.
9
Serve hot, garnished with optional cherry tomatoes and additional chili flakes if desired.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
20g
Carbs
6g
Protein
1g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Anchovy Infusion?
It is a traditional Southern Italian pasta dish featuring orecchiette pasta, bitter broccoli rabe, and a savory sauce made from garlic and anchovies dissolved in olive oil.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe originates from a historic butcher shop in Bari, Italy, run by Leda Monzari.
What does the name 'orecchiette' mean?
Orecchiette means 'little ears' in Italian, which describes the shape of the pasta used in this dish.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish is characterized by a balance of unique bitterness from the broccoli rabe and savory notes from the garlic and anchovies.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 133 calories in a serving of this dish.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
Each serving contains 6 grams of protein.
What is the fat content of this meal?
The recipe contains 4 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the orecchiette dish?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fiber and sugar content?
The dish contains 1 gram of fiber and 1 gram of sugar per serving.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients required: orecchiette, broccoli rabe, garlic, anchovies, cherry tomatoes, hot chili flakes, and olive oil.
How do I prepare the broccoli rabe?
The broccoli rabe should be washed, trimmed, and boiled for 3-5 minutes until the stems are tender but still green.
How long should I cook the orecchiette pasta?
The pasta should be cooked according to package instructions, typically for 9-11 minutes until it is al dente.
What is the secret to a glossy sauce for this pasta?
The secret is adding a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to the pan while tossing the pasta and broccoli rabe with the oil and anchovy mixture.
How are the anchovies prepared in the sauce?
Five chopped anchovy slices are added to the garlic and oil mixture and stirred with a spatula until they completely dissolve.
Should I use the same water for the broccoli rabe and the pasta?
Yes, you should boil the broccoli rabe first, strain it, and then use the same pot of water to cook the orecchiette.
What kind of garlic preparation is required?
You need 3 cloves of garlic, which should be minced and sautéed until golden brown.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes hot chili pepper flakes for seasoning, providing a customizable level of heat.
What optional ingredients can I add?
You can add halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor, as well as additional chili flakes.
Is this considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, making it suitable for a fast and flavorful meal.
What category of cuisine does this dish belong to?
It is an authentic Southern Italian pasta dish.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is described as ideal for a cozy dinner at home.
How much broccoli rabe do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of washed and trimmed broccoli rabe (rapini).
How much orecchiette is required?
You need 2 cups of uncooked orecchiette pasta.
What type of oil should be used?
Olive oil is used for sautéing the garlic and creating the anchovy infusion.
Who is Leda Monzari?
She is the talented individual who runs the historic butcher shop in Bari, Italy, where this recipe originated.
What is the sodium content?
The specific sodium content is not provided in the nutritional data for this recipe.
Can I serve this to guests?
Yes, the recipe description notes that it is sure to impress even the most discerning palates at gatherings.
What is the preparation for the cherry tomatoes?
If used, the cherry tomatoes should be halved.
Does the dish contain cholesterol?
The cholesterol information for this specific recipe is not listed in the provided data.
Why is broccoli rabe boiled before adding to the pasta?
Boiling the broccoli rabe ensures the stems are tender while retaining their vibrant green color before they are combined with the other ingredients.