Orecchiette with Broccoli, Anchovies, Black Olives, and Lemon Zest

Orecchiette with Broccoli, Anchovies, and Black Olives

Category: First Courses
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broccoli:
   Begin by cleaning the broccoli. Cut off the stalk from the florets and break the florets into smaller pieces for quicker cooking. Clean the outer parts of the stalk and set it aside to discard later. This will ensure a smoother texture when blended into the sauce later.

2. Cook the Broccoli:
   In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt. Drop in half of the broccoli florets and cook them for about 10 minutes, ensuring they’re tender but still vibrant in color. The broccoli should not be overcooked as we want it to retain some texture for the final dish.

3. Prepare the Anchovy Sauce:
   While the broccoli is cooking, heat a large pan over medium heat and add 10g of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the anchovy fillets along with the garlic cloves. Stir continuously until the anchovies have dissolved into the oil and the garlic has become fragrant. At this point, add the remaining broccoli florets to the pan, letting them cook for a few minutes. Remove the garlic at this stage to avoid overpowering the dish.

4. Blending the Broccoli Cream:
   After the broccoli has cooked, drain it, saving the water used for boiling. Transfer the broccoli to a blender along with 20g of olive oil and the Grana Padano cheese. Blend everything until smooth. The result should be a creamy, velvety broccoli sauce. Set this aside.

5. Prepare the Pesto:
   In a mortar, place the anchovy fillets (drained) and black olives. Add the zest of one lemon, grating it finely. Using a pestle, crush everything together into a rough paste. This pesto will add a tangy and briny flavor that will perfectly balance the richness of the broccoli sauce.

6. Cook the Orecchiette:
   Bring the reserved water from boiling the broccoli to a boil again, and add the orecchiette. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which will typically take around 8-10 minutes, depending on the brand of pasta you use. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick together.

7. Combine the Pasta and Sauces:
   Once the orecchiette is cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the cooking water. Add the drained pasta to the pan with the broccoli cream and toss it all together, making sure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. If necessary, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

8. Finish with the Pesto:
   Add the black olive pesto to the pasta and toss everything together once again, making sure the pesto is evenly distributed throughout the dish. The result should be a harmonious blend of creamy broccoli and salty, savory pesto.

9. Serve:
   Divide the orecchiette among four plates. For a final touch, you can sprinkle more Grana Padano on top for extra flavor. Serve immediately while it’s still warm, and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Broccoli Texture: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the broccoli into a purée, but leaving some bits intact will give the dish a lovely contrast of textures.
• Anchovy Intensity: If you’re unsure about the strength of the anchovies, start with one fillet and adjust according to your taste. Anchovies bring a deep umami flavor, so they’re an essential component but can be adjusted to your preference.
• Pasta Shape: Orecchiette is a great choice for this recipe, as its shape holds the sauce well. However, if you can’t find orecchiette, you can substitute with another type of short pasta like farfalle or penne.

Enjoy your meal! With the perfect balance of savory anchovies, creamy broccoli, and a tangy kick from the black olives and lemon zest, this dish is a deliciously satisfying option for a cozy dinner. Whether it’s for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, Orecchiette with Broccoli, Anchovies, and Black Olives is a dish that will impress your family and guests alike. Buon appetito!

This flavorful Italian dish brings together fresh ingredients in a harmonious blend, making it an unforgettable choice for your next pasta night.