Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon

Pasta dish with purple sprouting broccoli, anchovies, garlic, and preserved lemon

Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of fresh purple sprouting broccoli, savory anchovies, and zesty preserved lemon creates a delightful symphony of flavors that will awaken your taste buds. This recipe is not only quick to prepare, but it also brings a healthy and satisfying meal to the table that everyone will love.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 350
  • Protein: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 52 grams
  • Fat: 12 grams
  • Fiber: 4 grams
  • Sugar: 2 grams
  • Sodium: 680 mg

Why Make This Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon

This dish is a wonderful way to incorporate more greens into your diet while enjoying the robust flavors of the anchovies and preserved lemon. Purple sprouting broccoli adds not only a pop of color but also essential nutrients, making it a standout choice among pasta dishes. The umami flavor from the anchovies complements the freshness of the broccoli beautifully, giving every bite a rich and satisfying taste. Plus, it’s a quick and easy recipe, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking to whip up something delicious in no time.

How to Make Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon

Ingredients:

  • Pasta (e.g., spaghetti or linguine)
  • Purple sprouting broccoli
  • Anchovies
  • Garlic
  • Preserved lemon
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

  • Step 1: Preparation

    Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. This ensures your pasta will have that perfect bite when combined with the other ingredients.

  • Step 2: Sautéing the Garlic

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, typically about 1-2 minutes. The aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible!

  • Step 3: Cooking Anchovies

    Add the anchovies to the skillet and cook until they dissolve into the oil. This process infuses the oil with a deep, savory flavor that will enhance the entire dish.

  • Step 4: Stir-Frying Broccoli

    Toss in the purple sprouting broccoli and stir-fry for a few minutes until tender. The broccoli should maintain a bit of its crunch, providing a lovely texture contrast to the soft pasta.

  • Step 5: Mixing Ingredients

    Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with chopped preserved lemon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure every strand of pasta is coated in that flavorful anchovy and garlic oil.

  • Step 6: Finishing Touches

    Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. The cheese adds a rich creaminess that perfectly balances the dish’s bright flavors.

How to Serve Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon

This dish is best served warm and can be paired with a light salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. A glass of crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, would also complement the vibrant flavors wonderfully.

How to Store Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil to revive the flavors. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the pasta soggy.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the anchovies and consider adding capers for a similar umami flavor.
  • If you can’t find purple sprouting broccoli, regular broccoli can be used as a substitute.
  • Adjust the amount of preserved lemon to your taste; it can be quite tangy and salty.
  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Delicious Variations

  • Add cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color.
  • Incorporate nuts, such as toasted pine nuts or walnuts, for added crunch.
  • Swap out the Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese alternative to make it vegan.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
    Yes, frozen broccoli can be a convenient alternative. Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the dish.

  • What can I substitute for preserved lemon?
    If you don’t have preserved lemon, you can use fresh lemon zest and a little extra salt for a similar flavor profile.

  • How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
    Be sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after draining if you won’t be mixing it right away. Also, toss it with a bit of olive oil.

  • Can I add protein to this dish?
    Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would be great additions.

  • Is this dish gluten-free?
    You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

Conclusion

Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon is a delightful dish that is both easy to prepare and full of flavor. Its vibrant colors and rich combination of ingredients make it a standout choice for any meal. So why not try making it tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!

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Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon


  • Author: hannah-belssy
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring fresh purple sprouting broccoli, savory anchovies, and zesty preserved lemon, perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions.


Ingredients

  • Pasta (e.g., spaghetti or linguine)
  • Purple sprouting broccoli
  • Anchovies
  • Garlic
  • Preserved lemon
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the anchovies to the skillet and cook until they dissolve into the oil.
  4. Toss in the purple sprouting broccoli and stir-fry for a few minutes until tender.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with chopped preserved lemon, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the anchovies and consider adding capers. Frozen broccoli can be substituted, and adjust the amount of preserved lemon to taste.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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Hannah Belssy

Pro Chef & Bloger

Hi, I’m Hannah, the enthusiastic home chef behind Taste Quick! I’m convinced that incredible food can be both simple and quick to prepare. At Taste Quick, I share my beloved recipes that unite families at mealtime

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