Broccoli and Anchovy Orecchiette

Directions

1. Use a small knife to remove broccoli florets from the main stalks and set aside. Peel the remaining stalks. Trim and discard the dry end and finely slice the stalks. In a saucepan or very large 14-inch skillet melt a pat of butter and add the sliced stalks, the garlic, and anchovies. Crumble in the dried chiles (these can be pretty hot so don't go overboard). Cover and cook slowly for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the stalks start to soften.
2. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Add the broccoli florets to the pasta for the last 4 minutes. This makes them tender enough to eat but leaves them with great color and texture
3. Drain the pasta and broccoli florets, reserving a little of the starchy pasta cooking water. Add the pasta and broccoli florets to the pan of cooked broccoli stalks. Add the remaining pat of butter and quickly toss everything together. Remove the pan from the heat. Season to taste with a pinch of salt and pepper and sprinkle in half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well. Add a little of the cooking water if necessary to loosen the pasta. Serve immediately, drizzled with a little extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with the rest of the Parmesan cheese. Makes 4 to 6 servings.