orecchiette-cime-di-rapa-recipe

Orecchiette with Cime Di Rapa

Cime di rapa translates as ‘turnip tip’. It’s a member of the brassica family and common in Italian cooking. Give it a try for yourself tonight.

Recipe adapted from Delicious. 

Ingredients

350g orecchiette pasta
1 large handful cime di rapa
150ml extra virgin olive oil
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
8 anchonvy fillets, drained, finely chopped
1 long red chilli, finely chopped
finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

Method

  1. Cook the pasta according to packet instructions. Drain, reserving 2tbsp cooking liquid
  2. Pick the leaves from the cime di rapa and set aside. Slice half the stalks into 5mm thick rounds, discarding the rest. Blanch stalks for 3 minutes in boiling salted water or until tender. Add leaves for 10 seconds, then drain and refresh under cold water. Finely chop and set aside.
  3. Heat 1/4 cup (60ml) oil in a large frypan over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and cook, stirring for 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel.
  4. Add garlic, anchovy, chilli and remaining oil and cook, stirring for 2 minutes or until anchovy dissolves. Add cime di rapa and lemon zest and juice. Lightly season. Add pasta and reserved cooking liquid and toss to coat.
  5. Divide among serving bowls and scatter with breadcrumbs to serve.
  6. Enjoy!