Vegan Pasta Con Broccoli

I could not believe this recipe was on here. It's from Isa Chandra Moskowitz's book "Appetite for reduction" aka my bible! OH AND YES, YOU MUST LOVE GARLIC. THIS IS DROWNING IN IT. I like mine a little extra spicy so I add an extra pinch of pepper flakes and the juice of 1/2 lemon.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb linguine, whole wheat
• 2  teaspoons olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup garlic, thinly sliced
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1  teaspoon dried thyme
• 1  cup vegetable broth
• 1⁄2 cup dry white wine
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 4  cups broccoli, tops cut into small florets, stalks sliced thinly
• 2  teaspoons  balsamic vinegar
• 3  pinches fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and use the time between starting at and the time it boils to prep your ingredients.
2. 2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Sautee the garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme in the oil for about a minute, and make sure you don’t burn them. Burnt herbs are not good eats.
3. 3. Stir in the vegetable broth, wine, and salt. Add the broccoli, bring the liquid up to a simmer, and cover the pan. Cook for 8 to 13 minutes, depending on how done you like your broccoli. (I like mine to have a good crunch, so I go for about 10 minutes.).
4. 4. When the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the broccoli mixture. Toss with a pasta spoon for about three minutes, or until everything is thoroughly coated. Mix in the balsamic vinegar, and serve with generous doses of black pepper. There will be garlic left over in the bowl; don’t forget to spoon it out over your pasta.