Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage

This dish is the epitome of comfort for me (it's also a great example of my “double-up/halvsies” guideline) and is a tradition for Christopher and me upon returning from the road. For us, any season of the year really, this bowl says “welcome home.”

Ingredients

  • 1 spicy Italian sausage, removed from casing
  • sea salt, to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chicken stock
  • 1/2 pound orecchiette pasta
  • 2 bunches broccoli rabe, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • finishing salt, like Maldon salt (or grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese)

Instructions

  • Sauté sausage in a large pot over medium heat until browned, breaking up into pieces with the edge of a spatula. Set sausage aside to drain on paper towel, and wipe out the pot. Fill the pot with water, and bring to a boil with a generous pinch of salt.
  • While waiting for water to boil, mash the garlic to a paste in a mortar and pestle with a pinch of salt. Whisk in chile flakes, olive oil and chicken stock, and set aside.
  • When the water comes to a rapid boil, pour the pasta into the pot. Cook for 8 minutes, and add broccoli rabe to pot. Cook another 3 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Drain pasta and broccoli rabe, return to the pot, and toss with the garlic and olive oil over low heat. Add sausage and toss well.
  • Top with an extra dose of finishing salt (Maldon is our favorite) or a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Servings: 4
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Hey there ... I'm Lia Huber

My mission is to inspire and equip you to live a richer life through real food by becoming a more competent, confident home cook.


I’m the author of Nourished: A Memoir of Food, Faith, and Enduring Love, founder and CEO of Nourish Evolution, and the creator of Cook the Seasons, Home Cooking School, and the Real Food Reset, and I empower intentional women to cook in a way that brings them (and their families) joy, health, and ease.

Making the shift from processed food to real food doesn’t happen overnight. It’s an evolution that occurs over time, with effort, intention, and belief. And it will change the course of your life. Are you ready to take the first step? I’m so glad you’re here … and I’m honored to be with you on the journey to becoming nourished!

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