Ear-Shaped Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage

from Cookbook Author, Janet Fletcher

Serves 4 to 6

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INGREDIENTS:
1 ½ to 2 lbs Broccoli rabe
1 lb. Orecchiette or spaghetti
6 Tbs. Extra-virgin olive oil
4 large Garlic cloves, minced
Pinch of hot pepper flakes
6 to 8 oz. Hot Italian sausages, preferably with fennel seed
Salt
Freshly grated aged pecorino cheese (optional)

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PREPARATION:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. To trim the broccoli rabe, remove any stems that feel tough. (The thick stems are usually more tender than the thin ones.) Trim the ends of any stems that look dry, and then slit any stems that are thicker than a pencil so that they will cook more quickly. Add the broccoli rabe to the boiling water and cook until the stems are just tender, about 3 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the broccoli rabe to a sieve and cool quickly under cold running water. (Keep the cooking water at a boil.) Drain well, and then squeeze gently to remove excess water. Chop coarsely.

Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, put the olive oil, garlic, and the hot pepper flakes in a large skillet. Remove the sausage from its casing if necessary and add it to a cold skillet. Warm over moderately low heat, breaking up the sausage with a fork, and cook just until the sausage loses most of its pinkness. Add the broccoli rabe and season with salt to taste. Stir to coat with the seasonings and reheat gently.

Set aside 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and return it to the warm pot over low heat. Add the sauce and toss well, moistening with some of the reserved pasta water as needed. Divide among warm bowls and serve immediately. Pass the cheese at the table for those who want it.

From Four Seasons Pasta by Janet Fletcher