Penne with Broccoli (Aglio e Olio)
The ingredients and variations are seemingly endless...so long as there is garlic and oil (I also incorporate hot peppers). Another ingredient I use is chicken broth...this can be omitted and use vegetable broth if you are a vegetarian, but by adding (and then reducing) the broth the flavors literally burst in your mouth...do not be deceived by the simplicity of the recipe...it is incredibly flavorful, and nutritious as well. Anyhow, this is how to do it.
Place minced onion, garlic, hot pepper, grey sea salt (kosher salt would be fine also), and a little extra virgin olive oil in a cold pan. Yes, this is one of the few times a professional cook will tell you to start with a cold pan...chefs usually cook with scorching hot hot pans. But starting with a cold pan and then cooking these ingredients slowly draws their flavor out which then permeate the entire dish. Anyhow, then cook these ingredients over a low flame for 5 or 10 minutes until the garlic begins to brown...your kitchen will also be permeated with these lovely aromas. While this is cooking you'll also want to boil some pasta...whatever shape suites your fancy (I used whole wheat penne).
The entire dish was ready in the time that it took to boil the pasta.
Quick. Simple. Flavorful. Nutritious. But most importantly...it is delicious.
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