Broccoli Rabe Over Orecchiette! A long time favorite, with family and friends!

Approximately 4 Servings

INGREDIENTS

NOTE: For this recipe, either Broccolini or Rapini can be used. I tend to favor Broccolini as it is a bit sweeter whereas Rapini is more bold. Whatever your taste preference!

·      Broccolini or Rapini – 2 bunches, or 4-5 cups.

·       Sweet Italian Ground Sausage.  16oz package.  I tend to use Johnsonville. If the Sausage is in links and not Ground. Simply empty the links and discard the covering.

·       Beef Stock. 3-4 Cups. Depending on desired consistency.

·       EVOO (2-3 Tablespoons)

·       Chopped Garlic (1 Tablespoon, maybe slightly more)

·       Basil (1 Tablespoon)

·       Italian Seasoning (1 Tablespoon)

·       Garlic Salt (5-6 shakes)

·       Onion Powder (1 Tsp)

·       Italian Bread Crumb (Approximately ½ Cup)

·       Salt (to taste)

·       Crushed Red Pepper (1-2 shakes) Optional, but strongly recommended!

·       Extra Dry Vermouth (Less than ¼ Cup) I use Gallo.  

·       Marsala Wine or Cream Sherry (Less than ¼ Cup) This can be optional but really adds to the flavor!

·       Orecchiette Pasta (3-4 handfuls)

DIRECTIONS

·      Boil the water and prepare the Orecchiette. I add some salt and EVOO to the water.

·      Place the Broccolini in a pot with a colander put approximately 2-3 inches of water in the pot.  Cover, bring to a boil and cook for approximately 5 minutes, simply to soften the Broccolini. If you don’t have a pot with the colander, you can place the Broccolini directly in the water, but boil the water first and cook for maybe only 2-3 minutes. Then drain.

·      In a separate pan, heat EVOO over medium high heat and sauté the Sausage & Garlic together until fully cooked.

·      Add to the pan, the prepared Broccolini, Beef stock, seasonings and Bread Crumb.

·      Add the Vermouth and Marsala, if using. 

·      At this point you’ll want to start tasting it until the flavor is to your liking, perhaps adding more of the seasonings.

·      Serve over the cooked pasta.

BON APPETIT!