Description:
One of my favorite Italian dishes. Orecchiette, (or-i-cheti)"little ears" in Italian, are small disc-like or ear shaped semolina pastas once made only in Italian homes. If you can't find this shape, any ridged or tubular small pasta will hold this sauce just fine. But the orecchiette is worth the search. Best served with a hearty Italian red - Masi
Ingredients:
1/4 cup garlic flavored olive oil
4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1 pound Italian sausage, a combination of hot and sweet varieties (suit your own tastes) and cut into bite size pieces
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup broccoli rabe water
1 pound orecchiette
1 pound brocoli rabe, cooked
freshly grated pecorino romano cheese
Directions:
To prepare broccoli rabe (2 large bunches)
1. Remove any tough outer or damaged leaves Cut off stems and tear leaves into large pieces. Wash in sink filled with cold water.
2. Place broccoli rabe in a deep sauce pan with cold water to cover by 1 to 2 inches. Bring just to simmer over high heat. As soon as bubble appear at the sides of the pan remove from heat.
3. Drain cooking water. (Reserve it if you are going to combine with broccoli rabe and pasta or are preparing a recipe requiring broccoli rabe water.)
4.Immediately place broccoli rabe in cold water to cover to stop the cooking process. When broccoli rabe is cool, drain well in a colander and pat dry.
5. Cover with a damp cloth and refrigerate until ready to sauté or add to pasta or sauces.
For the Main Dish
1. Heat oil and stir in garlic in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sausages and sauté until meat is cooked and loses its raw look. Salt and pepper to taste, sauté one minute. Add the rabe water.
2. Raise heat and cook until sauce is hot.
3. Meanwhile, cook orecchiette in rapidly boiling salted water until al dente.
4. Drain orecchiette. Return drained orecchiette to the pot. Place over medium high heat and stir in 3/4 cup of broccoli rabe and sdausage sauce. Using wooden spoon, toss together for 1 minute. Remove from heat and pour into a large serving platter or bowl. Spoon remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle with Pecorino Romano cheese.