Pasta With Broccoli Rabe

Often times, the simplest of usually the best.

This is my frequent standby, either for a quick lunch, or a weeknight dinner. It requires only a few ingredients.

I use linguini for this, but you can use any long pasta. As soon as the salted water boils, add about half pound of pasta. While that is cooking, start the "sauce".

Saute 2 cloves of garlic that has been roughly sliced and a pinch of pepper flakes in some olive oil. Add 1 strip of anchovy that has been roughly chopped. Stir until the anchovies has melted.

Add broccoli rabe (5 or 6 stalks that have been cleaned. You may cut the bottom 1 inch if it is too thick). Saute in the oil. Add 1/4 cup of white wine or chicken stock. Lower heat and let it gently cook until the pasta is done.

Use tongs and fish out the pasta out of the water and directly into the saute pan. Toss. If it is too dry, add pasta water, one ladle at a time. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle some good parmesian cheese if you have some. Toss thoroughly.

And there you have it, a quick and easy meal that is delicious and nutritious.

Note: some people are squimish about anchovies. Don't be, at least, not in this dish. You will not taste it. The anchovies simply add a background flavor to the dish. If I don't tell you that there's anchovies in here, you would not have guessed.

Zz.