Cavatelli & Brocc

Cavatelli and Broccoli is a popular dish that originated in southern Italy, specifically in the region of Puglia. It is a type of pasta called cavatelli, which is made from durum wheat semolina and shaped into small, round pellets. The pasta is typically served with a hearty broccoli rabe sauce, which is made with broccoli rabe (a leafy green vegetable also known as rapini), garlic, olive oil, and sometimes anchovies.

The dish has gained popularity in the United States, particularly in Italian-American restaurants, where it is often served as a comforting and flavorful meal. The combination of the chewy, rough texture of the cavatelli pasta and the slightly bitter taste of the broccoli rabe sauce has captivated the palates of many foodies.

If you're interested in trying this dish, here's a brief primer on how it's typically prepared and served:

1. Preparing the cavatelli: The pasta dough is made by combining durum wheat semolina, water, and sometimes eggs. The dough is then rolled out and shaped into small balls, which are then pressed into the characteristic cavatelli shape.

2. Preparing the broccoli rabe sauce: Broccoli rabe is a leafy green vegetable that is related to broccoli but has a more delicate flavor. It is typically cleaned, chopped, and sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and sometimes anchovies until it is tender and slightly caramelized.

3. Cooking the cavatelli: The cavatelli are cooked in a large pot of boiling, salted water until they are al dente, which means they still have a bit of bite to them.

4. Serving the dish: The cooked cavatelli are then tossed in the broccoli rabe sauce, so that the pasta is well coated with the flavorful sauce. Some variations of the dish may include additional ingredients, such as grated Parmesan cheese or diced anchovies.

When you order cavatelli and broccoli at a restaurant, it will typically be served as a main course, and it's a great option for anyone looking for a hearty, satisfying meal. If you're interested in trying your hand at making it at home, there are many recipes online that can guide you through the process.