Broccoli Di Rape and Garlic Soup

Submitted by MsKittyKat

"I love broccoli and really love garlic! The pasta makes this soup a little more substantial."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 20mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• Garlic Broth

• 3 heads garlic, smashed and peeled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• coarse salt, to taste (optional)
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste (optional)
• 9 cups water
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 3⁄4 cup ditalini or 3/4 cup other small shape pasta (I've used orzo with good results)
• 1 bunch broccoli raab, stems cut off,yellow and wilted leaves discarded,tops and leaves sliced across into 1/2 inch pieces
• fresh lemon juice, to taste
• freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving
• coarse salt, to taste (optional)
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste (optional)

directions

1. Prepare garlic broth (can be made ahead and frozen if desired):

2. Cut the garlic cloves in half lengthwise and, if necessary, remove the green germ growing through the center.
3. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over low heat.
4. Stir in the garlic cloves and cook, stirring often, until the outside of the garlic is translucent and cloves are soft, about 20 minutes.
5. Don't let the garlic brown.
6. Pour in 9 cups water.
7. Bring to a boil.
8. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 40 minutes.
9. The garlic will be very tender.

10. To make the soup:

11. In a medium saucepan, combine the garlic broth, salt, and pepper.
12. Bring to a boil.
13. Stir in the pasta and boil for 6 minutes.
14. Add the broccoli di rape and return to a boil.
15. Lower the heat and simmer until the broccoli di rape is tender, about 4 minutes.
16. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice to taste.
17. Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper, if necessary.
18. Pass grated cheese at the table.