Orecchiette w/ Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Chef AJ Sankofa joins me in the Cucina this week and he is dropping KNOWLEDGE! This man taught me at least 5 new things about a dish I make, ALL THE TIME! And of course, cooking in general. But that’s why I LOVE having different chefs as guests - they are always sharing something REALLY useful!
On top of that, I just think AJ has an incredible story. This guy dropped out of college to go to culinary school IN ITALY (if I ever run away from home, it’ll be for that exact reason!). Has worked in top restaurants in Italy AND the U.S. And in the middle of the pandemic started his business. Throw in getting married to his beautiful, pastry chef wife and business partner!? I mean, I couldn’t have made that all up if I had tried!
Check out all of AJ’s tips and his story in the video below. Keep scrolling for the full recipe and links to the flour he uses!
Orecchiette with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Serves 4
1 bunch broccoli rabe
1 lb. sweet or hot Italian sausage
1 lb. ESO Pasta Orecchiette
6 garlic cloves
1 Tbs. grapeseed oil
1/4 C. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 C. grated Pecorino Romano
salt & pepper
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare an ice bath and a cookie sheet with paper towel. Trim the edges of the broccoli rabe. Place into the boiling water for about 2 minutes, until it turns bright green. Remove the broccoli rabe and place it in the ice bath for about 5-8 minutes. Drain the greens and place on the paper towel lined cookie sheet. Set aside.
Slice garlic cloves (be sure to watch the video for Chef’s great tip to make this super easy!).
Season the sausage meat with salt and pepper. (Remove from casing if in the form of links before seasoning). Form sausage into small patties. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add grapeseed oil. Sear sausage patties on both sides, about 2-3 minutes or when the patties release easily from the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break up the patties. Remove from pan.
Slice up broccoli rabe.
Bring another pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
Add half the olive oil to the pan, along with garlic. Cook over low heat, scraping up any browned bits left by the sausage. Do not let garlic start to turn brown.
Return the sausage to the pan. Add in the pasta and a few spoonfuls of the pasta cooking water. Add in half the cheese and stir. Add in broccoli rabe and stir again. Taste and adjust sauce as needed, adding in more oil, cheese, or pasta water.
Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of cheese.
Buon Appetito!