Sicilian Sweet Savory Bucatini With Broccoli Rabe Food

SICILIAN BUCATINI WITH SARDINES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1 1/4 cups cooking water, then drain. Reserve the pot.
• Meanwhile, put the raisins in a small bowl and add hot tap water to just cover; set aside. Mix 2 teaspoons olive oil with the breadcrumbs and 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds; toast in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
• Wipe out the pasta pot and heat the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and fennel bulb and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fennel is tender and golden, about 8 minutes. Add the pine nuts, turmeric and remaining 1 teaspoon fennel seeds and cook, stirring, until the oil is golden and the nuts and spices are toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the raisins and soaking water and 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water; remove from the heat.
• Add the pasta, sardines and fennel fronds to the pot. Return to medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until coated, adding the remaining cooking water as needed to loosen. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls, drizzle with olive oil and top with the toasted breadcrumbs.

SICILIAN-STYLE BROCCOLI RABE

Steps:

• Cut thick, lower stems off broccoli rabe and peel. Reserve florets and leaves.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes; saute until fragrant, about 45 seconds. Add stems; saute until coated with oil, about 45 seconds. Pour in water; continue cooking until stems are mostly tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in florets, leaves, and salt. Cover skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer broccoli rabe and its juices to a serving bowl. Top with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.

BROCCOLI RABE CROSTINI

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 bunch chopped broccoli rabe; season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook until the broccoli rabe is wilted, about 5 minutes. Toast 1 sliced baguette in a 350 degrees F oven, 6 to 8 minutes. Top each toast with a thin slice of fresh mozzarella and the broccoli rabe. Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar.

SICILIAN BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Fill medium saucepan half full of water and cover and bring to boil on high for the broccoli.
• Stir broccoli into the boiling water and boil 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until desired tenderness; drain broccoli thoroughly.
• Return saucepan to the stove; reduce heat to medium-high.
• Place olive oil in pan and swirl to coat.
• Add onions and garlic and cook 2-3 minutes to brown.
• Stir in broccoli until coated with oil.
• Cook 3-4 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors are well blended.
• Season with salt and pepper; sprinkle the cheese over the broccoli and serve.

SEARED SWORDFISH WITH STEWED SICILIAN-STYLE BROCCOLI RABE

Steps:

• In large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, a large pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• Add the thicker broccoli rabe stems and wine, cover and cook until half-tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
• Add rest of the broccoli rabe and cook, covered, for 6 more minutes, until very tender.
• Uncover pan, add olives, and cook for a few more minutes to evaporate remaining liquid.
• Stir in lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with another tablespoon of olive oil and set aside to keep warm, or heat gently just before serving.
• Heat large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Season swordfish steaks with salt and pepper.
• Drizzle each with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil per side (4 tablespoons total). Place the fish in the hot skillet and cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side.
• Serve immediately, with the broccoli rabe.