Fusilli aglio, olio, peperoncini e broccoli

Updated at: Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:11:02 GMT

Step 1

Separate the broccoli florets from the stem, and cut the florets into small pieces (about 1cm wide). The stem is full of flavour, so we are using it… cut he stem into 1/2cm slices, then chop the slices into 1 cm long pieces.

Step 2

Chop the chillies. You can remove or leave the seeds, depending on how much spicy you want the dish. I’ve left them in.

Step 3

Chop the garlic

Step 4

On a small frying pan add a little boiling water, a pinch of baking soda and a pinch of salt (the baking soda enhances the colour of the broccoli - won’t affect the flavour, so you can leave it out if you want). Add the bits of broccoli stems and cook for 4 minutes.

Step 5

Add the broccoli florets, cook with the stems for a minute while moving it around, then drain it and put to the side.

Step 6

Add 1.5l boiling water to a pot and salt it

Step 7

Once salt has dissolved and water is boiling, add the fusilli and stir them around oil has to be rolling to prevent the fusilli sticking to each other. You need to cook them ‘al dente’ - this is usually about a minute less than the instructions on the pasta packet (I try them regularly until they cooked at the right point).

Step 8

While the pasta is cooking heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in the frying pan add the chillies, garlic and a pinch of sea salt, and fry them at medium heat for 1 minute.

Step 9

Add the broccoli a pinch of msg the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, and 6 tbsp of pasta cooking water, toss it all around for a couple of minutes so the broccoli gets warmed up, mixed and well coated with the chilli and garlic infused oil. The cooking water and the oil emulsion pick up all the flavours from the veg and make a thin and flavourful sauce. After 2 minutes take the pan off the fire.

Step 10

When the pasta is al dente, drain it, put it back in the pot and add the contents of the pan. Mix it all together, add freshly ground pepper to taste. Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve. Enjoy!

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Delicious

Fresh

Moist

Spicy