Orecchiette and broccoletti

Christmas holidays are an occasion to find again that deeply christian spirit of rejoining and social union and to celebrate what for believers is one of the fundamental moments of religious life, and is also an occasion to prepare delicious meals. Generally speaking menus are full of meat and fish based dishes, but in the Italian tradition there gorgeous recipes can be found to prepare great dinner and lunches. A gentle lady from Apulia told me this one from her region.

Fresh made orecchiette pasta

Broccoletti (or green broccoli)

Extra virgin PDO olive oil (possibly from Southern Italy)

Salt

Chilli
Bread

Accurately clean the broccoletti or wash the broccoli and chop in approx. 3x6cms 'flowers', boil abundant salted water, put the broccoletti and almost at the same time the orecchiette, or the broccoli, cook for a few minutes and then the orecchiette. On a side warm some oil with chilli, lightly brown till crunchy cubes of bread of about 1cm, drain the pasta with vegetables and saute in the pan with the oil. Pour in a bowl cover and let stay for a few minutes before serving.

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