Purple Sprouting Broccoli Orecchiette With An Almond Crumb Food

ORECCHIETTE WITH ANCHOVIES & PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Cook the orecchiette following pack instructions. Meanwhile, heat 3 tbsp of the olive oil and 1 tbsp of the oil from the anchovies in a frying pan. Add the garlic and chilli, and sizzle for 3-4 mins until the garlic is just starting to turn golden. Add the anchovies and lemon juice, and cook for 1-2 mins more until the anchovies melt into the sauce. Put the remaining olive oil, breadcrumbs and lemon zest in another frying pan, stir together and cook until crisp.
• When the pasta has 4-5 mins to go, add the broccoli to the pan. When cooked, drain, reserving a cup of the pasta water, then add to the frying pan with the garlic and anchovies. Stir and cook over a low heat for a further 2 mins, adding a splash of pasta water if it looks dry. Season, then serve in pasta bowls with the lemony crumbs sprinkled over the top.

ORECCHIETTE WITH PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI & CALABRIAN PESTO

Steps:

• First, make the base of the pesto. Heat 1 tbsp of the olive oil in a frying pan and add the onion, tomato and aubergine. Fry over a medium-low heat for 8-10 mins until the onion is pale gold and the tomatoes and aubergine are soft. Add the peppers and cook for a couple of minutes, then add the garlic and chilli, and cook for another 2 mins. Transfer to a plate and leave to cool.
• Heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Trim the broccoli at the base, then halve any large pieces lengthways. Put in a roasting tin, drizzle with the olive oil and season. Add the garlic and turn everything using your hands - make sure the garlic is under the broccoli so it will toast without burning. Cook in the oven for 15-20 mins (check on it during cooking for doneness).
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. It usually takes a little less time than it says on the packet.
• For the pesto, tip everything on the plate into a food processor along with the almonds and the remaining 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Season and pulse to blend everything together. Stir in the ricotta and taste for seasoning. Tear the basil and stir that in too.
• Drain the pasta and toss it with the broccoli (including the garlicky juices from the roasting tin) then use as much of the pesto as it takes to coat the pasta and serve the rest on the side. Grind over some black pepper and serve immediately with the grated cheese.

PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI WITH ALMONDS

Steps:

• Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Toss in the broccoli and cook for 2-3 mins until tender, then drain and set aside. Serve at room temperature with the oil drizzled over and the flaked almonds sprinkled on top.