Quick Cheap Easy Dinner...

for Joel W 
 Anytime someone says "quick" combined with "cheap" and "easy" this is the first thing to come to mind: "Pasta" 
The cheapest one I know... that would have to be this one: 

Pasta alle Acciughe i Broccoli 
serves 2


Ingrediente: 
-250 g Spaghetti or if preferred Penne or whatever.... I think spaghetti works best
-2 small heads of broccoli or 1 big one (smaller tend to be more flavorful)
-1 tin or small jar of anchovies in oil (not in salt)
-1 dried red chilli or 1/2 tsp of chilli flakes
-freshly ground black pepper
-chopped parsley (optional)
-1 tbsp nice extra virgin olive oil

Method: 
Fill up a large pot of water for boiling your pasta and place over medium high heat. Next trim the bottom of the brocolli stems and chop the whole head of brocolli (dont waste the stem, its a great part of the vegetable!) very finely just like this:

Set aside.

Dump anchovies along with their oil into a small skillet and heat over medium heat. Stir well with a wooden spoon and continue to cook. Once the anchovies begin to dissolve into the oil add in dried chilli/chilli flakes and a good amount of fresh ground black pepper. Cook another 1 minute and then turn heat all the way to low just to keep the oil warm.

 When the water boils add in 1/2 tsp of salt and then your pasta. After about 7 mins (or more precisely: 2 minutes before the end of suggested cooking time of your pasta) add in the broccoli and stir. Cook until pasta is al dente and then drain the pot RESERVING 1/4 CUP OF PASTA WATER!

Put pasta and broccoli back into the pot and add anchovy sauce and some reserved pasta water. Toss pasta well and adjust seasoning. Add extra virgin olive oil and parsley (if using) and toss again.

Now serve... with a simple salad perhaps?


-
C Powers