No. 1 : Quick Recipe
Sicilian Broccoli Olive Pasta
- 1 Bunch Rapini, Broccolini or head/bag of Broccoli
- 3 TB Olive Oil, divided
- 1 Cup Chopped Oil Cured, Kalamata or Castelvetrano Olives
- 2 Cups Chopped Red Onion
- 4 Cloves Garlic, grated
- 1 Tsp – TB Red Chili Flakes
- Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper to Taste
- 8 OZ Pasta, your choice of shape and variety
- Grated Parmesan or Pecorino
Step One
If you are using rapini, chop the bunch into 1 – 2” pieces and blanch quickly in a large pot of boiling water and drain. For tender Broccolini just chop into 1 – 2” pieces. For Broccoli, chop into 1 – 2” pieces and microwave for 2 minutes.
Step Two
Warm 2 TB of the oil in a large sauté pan and add the red onions. Cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat until very soft and translucent. Add the garlic and chili flakes and cook and stir for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add the olives and the broccoli and the remaining oil, cook over medium low heat until warm, about 5 minutes, but broccoli is still bright green. Taste for salt and pepper, add as desired.
Step Three
While you are making your veggies, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. When done, drain your pasta and add to the pan with the veggies. Toss well and place in a bowl. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.
No. 2 : Kitchen Scoop
The difference between Rapini, Broccolini or Broccoli is very interesting! In terms of taste, Rapini, (also known as Broccoli Rabe), has the strongest flavor because its closest cousin is the turnip, Broccoli is next because its kin is the cabbage, and Broccolini is the mildest – a hybrid veggie, invented in 1993, that is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli.
No. 3 : Clever Idea
If you are using alternative pasta like lentil, quinoa or chickpea, make sure to start checking the pasta for doneness 2 minutes before the cooking time listed on the box. Alternative pastas go limp and soggy very quickly when overcooked.
No. 4 : Wine FIND of the Week
Cortese ‘Nostru’ Cataratto Lucido Terre Siciliane
Sicily
About $15
This well priced and super quality white wine is 100% organic Cattaratto grapes, straw colored and delicious with veggie pastas like this one and light fish dishes. You’ll love the peach, herb and minerally aromas, and the zingy acidity and flavors of peaches, apples and citrus.The Nostru line of wines are “lively and cheerful” and feature symbols of Sicily, taking traditional Sicilian Majolica ceramics for their inspiration.