Piselli a Cecamariti: A Traditional Italian Delight
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the heartwarming and rustic appeal of Piselli a Cecamariti. This delightful first course hails from the rich culinary heritage of Italy, specifically from the southern regions where peas and greens are a staple. The combination of frozen peas and tender cime di rapa, paired with a rich vegetable broth and a hint of heat from fresh chili, makes for an incredibly satisfying and flavorful dish. This simple yet tasty recipe, when served with crispy crostini, is the perfect way to warm up on a cool evening or bring a bit of Italy into your home kitchen.
Ingredients for Piselli a Cecamariti
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen peas | 300g |
| Cime di rapa (broccoli rabe) | 700g |
| Vegetable broth | 500ml |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fresh chili peppers | 2 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Stale bread (for crostini) | 120g |
| Fine sea salt | to taste |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cime di Rapa
Start by preparing the cime di rapa (broccoli rabe). Trim off the fibrous ends of the stems, then chop the leaves and stems into larger pieces. Rinse thoroughly and drain to remove excess water. -
Boil the Greens
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the cime di rapa to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender but still bright green. -
Garlic and Chili Prep
While the greens are cooking, peel and crush the garlic clove. Slice the fresh chili peppers into thin rounds, removing seeds if you prefer a milder flavor. -
SautΓ© Garlic and Chili
In a separate pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and sliced chili peppers to the pan, sautΓ©ing for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. -
Add the Peas and Broth
To the pan, add the frozen peas, stirring to combine. Allow the peas to cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Next, pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for another 5 minutes. -
Combine Greens and Peas
Once the cime di rapa has finished cooking, carefully drain them and add them to the pan with the peas and broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge and the broth to slightly reduce. -
Season and Serve
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with fine sea salt as needed. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving. -
Prepare the Crostini
While the stew simmers, cut the stale bread into small slices and toast them in a pan or oven until golden and crisp. These crostini will add a satisfying crunch to your dish. -
Serve
Once the Piselli a Cecamariti is ready, transfer it to a serving platter or individual bowls. Serve hot with the crispy crostini on the side. The combination of the tender greens, sweet peas, and spicy chili is guaranteed to please your palate, while the crostini offers the perfect contrast in texture.
Cooking Tips
- Greens Choice: If you can’t find cime di rapa, you can substitute with other bitter greens such as kale or mustard greens, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Make It Spicier: If you like extra heat, feel free to add more chili peppers or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use vegetable broth and avoid adding any dairy products.
Serving Suggestions
Piselli a Cecamariti is typically served as a comforting first course, but it can also stand alone as a light meal for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, to balance the rich, earthy flavors of the greens and peas. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a simple salad or a grilled vegetable dish.
Enjoy your Italian-inspired feast with this rustic and delicious recipe, bringing a taste of Italyβs beautiful countryside to your home. Buon appetito!
