Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Pasta with Broccoli and Ricotta: A Creamy Sicilian Delight
A luscious, comforting pasta dish that celebrates the fresh flavours of Sicilian broccoli and creamy sheep’s ricotta.
📖 What is it
A luscious, comforting pasta dish that celebrates the fresh flavours of Sicilian broccoli and creamy sheep’s ricotta.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1 kg broccoli
- ✓ 320 g pasta of your choice
- ✓ 1 clove garlic
- ✓ 4 salted sardine fillets
- ✓ 1 chilli pepper
- ✓ 300 g fresh sheep’s ricotta
- ✓ 50 g semi-aged caciocavallo cheese, grated
- ✓ Sicilian extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ Trapani sea salt
📊 Nutritional Information
Dive into the scents of a Sicilian winter with this pasta that marries the gentle sweetness of freshly picked broccoli with the delicate creaminess of sheep’s ricotta—a dish that tells the story of tradition and the warmth of our land.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Trim the broccoli and separate the florets.
- 2
Blanch them in boiling salted water for 7 minutes, then drain and plunge into iced water to stop the cooking.
- 3
Finely chop the garlic and deseeded chilli, then gently fry them in a splash of olive oil.
- 4
Add the salted sardines and let them melt slowly into the oil.
- 5
Stir in the broccoli and cook for a few minutes to infuse the flavours.
- 6
Transfer the broccoli mixture to a blender with a couple of spoonfuls of ricotta, a drizzle of olive oil, and two tablespoons of grated caciocavallo. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- 7
Return the creamy broccoli sauce to a hot pan.
- 8
Cook the pasta until just al dente, then toss it through the sauce.
- 9
Stir in a little pasta cooking water and the remaining ricotta to achieve a perfectly silky finish.
- 10
Serve with a generous sprinkle of grated caciocavallo on top.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an extra layer of texture and nuttiness, sprinkle over some finely chopped toasted almonds.
- •
Try swapping some of the broccoli for fresh tender courgette shoots when in season, for an even greener, more authentic taste.
- •
Use a large pan to cook the pasta to prevent it sticking and to keep the texture just right.
- •
For a vegan twist, replace the ricotta with a creamy plant-based cheese made from cashews or almonds.
- •
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity—careful cooking and balanced flavours bring out the best in every ingredient.
📦 Storage
- • Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 24 hours.
- • Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to restore its creamy texture.
- • The broccoli cream freezes well—keep it in a suitable container for up to a month, so you always have a taste of Sicily on hand.
🍷 Pairing
Pair this dish with a glass of crisp Sicilian Grillo, whose fresh minerality highlights the sweetness of the broccoli. Alternatively, a white Catarratto or a Ligurian Vermentino offers delightful aromatic contrasts.
Now that you’ve uncovered how to make this simple yet flavour-packed dish, bring a little slice of Sicily to your table that’s sure to warm the heart. Don’t forget to share this lovely recipe with your friends and family—spread the joy of tradition and good food far and wide!
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