Sicilian Broccoli and Ditalini

FoodFromSicily's Note:

This is a wonderful and easy vegetable&pasta recipe that my family has been making for ages. We use only fresh broccoli and I have added bullion cubes to enhance the flavor. I hope you try this delicious and healthy dish.

• Total Time: 20 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 20 hrs
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 large fresh broccoli
• 1 whole garlic clove
• 1 large onion
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 6 bouillon cubes (Use vegetarian bouillon to make this recipe vegetarian.)
• fresh black pepper (to taste)
• parmesan cheese (to taste)
• 1/2 lb ditalini (or small shells)
• 6 cups water

Directions:

1. Place in a dutch oven or a large deep frying pan:.
2. Chopped onion and garlic and saute in the olive oil for approximately 10 minutes but do NOT brown. (just a slightly golden color will be good).
3. Clean and trim broccoli and cut into 2" pieces.
4. Add cut broccoli to garlic and onion.
5. turn down flame and add 6 cups very hot water and bullion cubes, & salt & pepper.
6. Simmer until broccoili is still slightly crunchy and add pasta.
7. Add more water if needed while pasta is cooking with the broccoli as it can absorb alot of the water.
8. cook until pasta and broccoli are both tender and most of the water is absorbed.
9. turn off the heat and sprinkle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and approximatly 1/2 cup parmegiano cheese. Toss and serve.
10. You can garnish with lemon if you like.

Reviews

[susie cooks]

Nice dish. I had a lot of broth left when the pasta was done. So i just drained some of it. I added some red pepper flakes instead of black pepper. Very easy to make. Thanks! Made for PAC Spring 2009.

[bellsforher]

it was a very healthy feeling dish.... i did feel it was a little lacking in flavour but it is a substantial hole-filler. would definitely recommend some lemon juice or even chicken stock for those non-vegetarians.

[Mysterygirl]

I used broth instead of the boullion cubes as I had some of my own in the freezer. Nice blend of flavors and definitely different from the average pasta recipes. It paired well with the stuffed chicken.