Blistered Broccoli Pasta With Walnuts Pecorino And Mint Recipes

Steps:

• Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1/4 cup salt, then add the broccoli. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green and just tender, about 5 minutes. Use a spider or slotted spoon to transfer to a food processor; keep the water boiling.
• Drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook according to the package's directions for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.
• Meanwhile, add the garlic to the broccoli and pulse, scraping the bowl occasionally, until smooth. Add the mint, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pulse until smooth, then add the oil with the machine running.
• Drain the pasta well and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the pesto. Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. If the mixture seems thick, fold in the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time. The mixture will thicken as it cools, so you want it to be saucy. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Divide among serving dishes and top with lemon zest, then grate cheese over. Sprinkle with the walnuts, grind more black pepper on top, then drizzle with olive oil. Serve hot, warm or room temperature.

Steps:

• Set up a steamer basket in a 3-quart saucepan. Add enough water to come up to the bottom of the basket. Bring the water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets to the basket, cover and cook until the broccoli is soft and nearly falling apart but still holds its shape, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Transfer the broccoli to a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons butter and gently toss; season with salt and pepper, then mash.
• Cook the spaghetti according to label directions, then reserve 1 cup cooking water and drain.
• In a large skillet, cook the garlic in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the olive oil for 30 seconds. Add the mashed broccoli, the Parmesan and half of the reserved cooking water. Cook, stirring, until saucy. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with the spaghetti, adding more cooking water as needed.

Steps:

• Heat the grill to high. Put the broccoli on a baking tray and drizzle over 1 tsp of the oil. Season, and toss together. Grill for 8-10 mins, tossing around halfway through, until crispy and charred.
• Cook the pasta in salted water following pack instructions. Drain, reserving a cup of the cooking water.
• In a frying pan, heat the remaining 2 tsp oil over a medium heat, and fry the garlic, walnuts and chilli for 3-4 mins until golden.
• Tip in the pasta, broccoli, lemon zest and juice, reserving a little of the zest. Add a splash of the reserved cooking water and toss everything together to coat the pasta. Serve in warmed bowls with the remaining lemon zest scattered over.