Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli Delight

If you’re looking for a vibrant and hearty meal that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon. This dish is the perfect blend of savory anchovies, bright preserved lemon, and fresh broccoli, making it not just a meal, but an experience that’s sure to wake up your taste buds. The bold flavors come together beautifully, and it’s a dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough to impress guests.

The use of purple sprouting broccoli adds a unique twist that not only enhances the visual appeal but also introduces a delightful crunch and earthy undertone. Coupled with garlic, which brings a sweetness that balances the salinity of the anchovies, this pasta dish turns into a wholesome and satisfying culinary delight. Whether you’re a busy professional or just someone who loves to enjoy good food without much hassle, this recipe is here to elevate your dinner plans without consuming too much of your time.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli Dish

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for a weeknight dinner that can be ready in under 30 minutes.
• Flavorful Combination: The salty anchovies paired with zesty preserved lemon will leave your palate wanting more.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with greens, this dish offers vitamins and minerals without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable: Adapt the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite spices or substituting vegetables.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Preparing your kitchen space is an integral part of ensuring that the cooking process goes smoothly. Start by gathering all your ingredients together and measuring them out, which helps you stay organized as you cook. You’ll need a large pot for boiling the pasta and broccoli, as well as a spacious skillet for sautéing the aromatics and assembling the dish. Having a cutting board and sharp knife will also help you chop the garlic and preserved lemon easily.

It’s also a good idea to have a slotted spoon or tongs on hand to retrieve the broccoli once it’s blanched. This ensures it doesn’t overcook while you’re preparing the pasta. Make sure you have a colander for draining the pasta and a good mixing spoon for combining everything in the skillet. By setting up your workspace efficiently, you can enjoy the cooking experience and savor the delicious aromas that fill your kitchen.

Ingredients

• Dried pasta: 300g (about 10 oz) – Penne or spaghetti work beautifully as they hold the sauce well.
• Purple sprouting broccoli: 250g (about 9 oz) – Trimmed and halved, it adds a peppery, earthy crunch.
• Anchovy fillets: 6 – Melt into the garlic for a deep, savory base.
• Garlic cloves: 4, thinly sliced – Brings sweetness and warmth.
• Preserved lemon: 1 small, finely chopped – Adds tangy brightness.
• Olive oil: 3 tablespoons – For sautéing and richness.
• Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon – Just a touch for gentle heat.
• Lemon zest: From 1 lemon – For a fresh, citrusy finish.
• Salt: To taste – For seasoning the pasta water and final dish.
• Freshly ground black pepper: To taste – Adds depth and balance.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Equipment

Start off by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will be used for cooking both your pasta and the purple sprouting broccoli, so getting the water boiling first is crucial. Meanwhile, warm up a large skillet over medium heat. This skillet will house all those wonderful flavors that come together beautifully in this dish.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Once your skillet is heated, pour in the olive oil and add the sliced garlic along with the anchovy fillets. Gently cook these ingredients while stirring occasionally, allowing the anchovies to dissolve into the oil and flavor the garlic without burning it. You want the garlic to turn a lovely golden color while infusing the oil with deep savory goodness.

Step 3: Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Once your water is boiling, introduce the trimmed purple sprouting broccoli into the pot and blanch it for about 2 minutes. This will soften the broccoli just enough to enhance its flavor while keeping that delightful crunch. After blanching, carefully remove the broccoli using tongs and set it aside on a plate. Now, you can utilize the same pot of boiling water to cook your pasta until it reaches an al dente texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Once the pasta is cooked, it’s time to bring all the flavors together. Add the blanched purple sprouting broccoli to your skillet along with the chopped preserved lemon and red pepper flakes. Stir these ingredients gently to combine them and ensure they’re warmed through. The preserved lemon adds that zesty punch that brightens the entire dish.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Now, drain your pasta but make sure to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water. This water is essential for creating a silky sauce. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet containing the broccoli mixture, and gently mix everything together. If the pasta seems dry, funnel some of the reserved pasta water in until you reach the right consistency, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

To complete your dish, add a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh pop of citrus. A drizzle of olive oil and a few grinds of freshly cracked black pepper can elevate the flavors even further. Give everything a final toss to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Variations

• Protein: For an added punch of protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Vegetables: Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies. Spinach, arugula, or asparagus would all work well.
• Spices: Add additional spices such as smoked paprika for an earthy flavor or capers for an extra brininess.

Cooking Notes

• This dish is versatile; it can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the anchovies.
• Be careful not to overcook the garlic. It should only be golden and fragrant; if it turns brown, it will taste bitter.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.
• A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette perfectly complements this pasta dish.

Tips

• Ensure you salt your pasta water well; this is your opportunity to flavor the pasta itself.
• Experiment with the amount of preserved lemon according to your taste; it can be quite potent!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 500 per serving
• Protein: 16g
• Sodium: 800mg

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the dried pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative.

What can I substitute for anchovies?

For a vegetarian option, consider using sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to add umami flavor.

Can I use fresh lemon instead of preserved lemon?

While fresh lemon offers a different flavor profile, you can certainly add it for a zesty twist, though it won’t provide the same depth.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.

Conclusion

This Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that are sure to delight your senses. With its vivid colors and deliciously bold taste, it encourages both creativity and culinary exploration in the kitchen. So why not give this recipe a try? Share your thoughts, variations, and any additions you made in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you enjoyed this dish and how it became a part of your culinary repertoire!