Entree: Italy – Basilicata – Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa (Small ear-shaped pasta with bitter broccoli rabe, garlic, anchovies, and olive oil)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 20 min

Total 35 min

Ingredients

- 12 oz (340 g) orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb (454 g) cime di rapa (broccoli rabe), trimmed and washed
- 4 tbsp (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 anchovy fillets, approx. 0.4 oz (12 g)
- 4 cloves (12 g) garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup (50 g) finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved pasta cooking water (more as needed)
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orecchiette and cook until al dente according to package directions; reserve 1 cup (240 ml) pasta cooking water, then drain 1/2 cup (120 ml) and set aside, leaving the pasta slightly wet.
2. While pasta cooks, blanch the cime di rapa in the boiling pasta water for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-stemmed; transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking, then drain and roughly chop, reserving the blanching water if needed.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add anchovy fillets and use a wooden spoon to break them down until they melt into the oil, about 1 minute.
4. Add the sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; cook until garlic is fragrant and just beginning to color, 1–2 minutes. Do not burn.
5. Add the chopped cime di rapa to the skillet and sauté 2–3 minutes to combine, seasoning with a pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper.
6. Add the drained orecchiette to the skillet along with 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Pecorino Romano. Toss vigorously over medium heat until the cheese melts and creates a glossy sauce; add more reserved pasta water 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) at a time if needed.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using. Serve immediately with additional Pecorino on the side.