Updated: Aug 31, 2021
Oil and garlic. It's the go to for a quick meal in an Italian household. We eat it with practically everything. They even have garlic ice cream. I swear. Yup, we saw it at the garlic fest my sister and I went to. We eat garlic on toast for breakfast. Ok, it's left over garlic bread from the night before, heated in the toaster oven, but technically, it IS toast!
The aroma of garlic sizzling in hot oil is probably one of the yummiest smells ever, as my son used to say when he was little. Of course, I love it, I grew up on it. Some smells though, are heartwarming to certain people and repulsive to others.
Funny Story: Sharp Provolone was a staple in my house growing up. I was used to and welcomed the odor. When I was in elementary school, a friend came by in the afternoon and when she walked in she asked, "Who threw up?" My dad was sitting at the table eating Provolone with Italian bread and pepperoni. The smell of sharp Provolone takes some getting used to if you've never smelled it before. This is the same friend who I told my other funny story about.
Quick and easy and delicious dinner was what I was after last night. Pasta and broccoli in oil and garlic fit the bill.
Wash and chop broccoli into bite sized pieced. Cut the stems small so they cook and get tender at the same time as the florets. Steam broccoli in steamer to desired tenderness. (see video above) If you don't have a steamer, you can boil it on the stovetop or cook it in the microwave in some water. Place into a large bowl (large enough to fit the pasta too and to stir it all together.)
Boil pasta (I like mine al dente) Drain and put into bowl with broccoli. Don't overcook your pasta, cook it a bit less than you normally do. When you pour the hot oil onto it, it will make it more soft.
Heat olive oil and butter on stovetop on medium heat. Add chopped garlic and stir often. Allow it to brown slightly. (see video)
Pour over pasta and broccoli and mix well. Top with parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy.
For more oil and garlic recipes, check out my YouTube playlist.
I can't give amounts, I can only give ingredients. Most Italians don't cook with measurements, they cook with heart. My mom taught me to add ingredients until "it looks good". So, judge for yourself.
Ingredients:
Broccoli
Gluten free pasta of your choice
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic cloves
Parmesan cheese (gluten free)