To begin, gather the necessary ingredients:
– 2 cups of semolina flour
– 1 cup of warm water
– A pinch of salt
– 1 pound of broccoli rabe or other leafy greens (such as spinach or kale)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Start by preparing the pasta dough. In a large bowl, combine the semolina flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add warm water to the mixture and stir with a fork until a dough begins to form. Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about five minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and allow it to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
While the dough is resting, prepare the leafy greens. If using broccoli rabe, trim the ends and remove any tough stems. Blanch the greens in a large pot of salted boiling water for about two minutes. Drain the greens and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess water from the greens and set them aside.
Next, it’s time to shape the orecchiette. Unwrap the pasta dough and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about the thickness of your finger. Using a knife, cut the rope into small pieces, approximately 1/2 inch long. Take each small piece and, using the back of a small knife or your thumb, press down and drag it along the surface of the dough, creating a small cup-like shape. Repeat this process with the remaining dough pieces.
Once all the orecchiette have been shaped, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Add the blanched greens to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another few minutes until the greens are tender.
Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the cooked orecchiette from the pot to the skillet with the greens. Toss the pasta with the greens, ensuring that it is thoroughly coated with the aromatic olive oil and garlic. Cook for an additional minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the Puglian orecchiette immediately. You can garnish the dish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This simple yet flavorful pasta dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an authentic Italian-inspired meal.
In conclusion, cooking Puglian orecchiette is a wonderful way to experience the tastes of Puglia from the comfort of your own home. With only a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a delightful dish that will transport you to the sunny and vibrant region of southern Italy. So why wait? Roll up your sleeves and give this delicious recipe a try today!