Dec 17 2008

Several years ago, after watching an episode of this new Food Network show called 30 Minute Meals, I decided to take the somewhat unheard-of chef's advice. According to this Rachael Ray lady, anchovies lose their intense fishy flavor when cooked down in a sauce. After trying one of her recipes, I realized she was right! Since then, I've made many pasta dishes that include anchovies as an ingredient.

I can't wait to experiment with this broccoli rabe variation. Toasted panko bread crumbs provide crunch and crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat. Ready to overcome your fear of anchovies? Get the recipe and read more.

From Gourmet

Gemelli With Broccoli Rabe and Anchovies

Gemelli With Broccoli Rabe and Anchovies

Ingredients

1 pound gemelli or other corkscrew pasta
1 (1-pound) bunch broccoli rabe, coarse stems discarded and remainder cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
1 cup panko (Japanese crisp bread crumbs)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 (2-ounce) can flat anchovy fillets, drained
1/2 teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes, or to taste

Directions

  1. Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Cook pasta in a 7- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water 6 minutes, then stir in broccoli rabe and boil until pasta is al dente, about 5 minutes more.
  3. While pasta is cooking, toss panko with 1 tablespoon oil in a shallow baking pan until coated and bake, stirring once or twice, until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Season crumbs with salt.
  4. While broccoli rabe (with pasta) is cooking, cook garlic, anchovies, and red-pepper flakes in remaining 7 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring and mashing anchovies into oil with a wooden spoon, until garlic is golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Drain pasta and broccoli rabe in a colander, then add to anchovy mixture in skillet, tossing to combine.
  6. Serve pasta sprinkled with some toasted panko and pass remainder.

Serves 4-6.

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