Peasant Food

The Italians are known for making delicious dishes with very few ingredients and most times the ingredients are fairly inexpensive. Only the freshest and most flavorful  ingredients are used resulting in simple but exquisite tasting dishes.  I am always excited by the enjoyment created when a peasant dish is served.
My mother was the queen at making something from nothing! She could turn a can (Yes, OMG! I said can!) of lentil soup into something that you had never tasted before, and you would want more!
If you like Italian Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, Garlic and Cannellini Beans keep reading. You will enjoy this dish and so will everyone you serve it to.

From start to finish this took approximately 30 minutes to prepare. Quick and easy!
This recipe will make 6 first course servings or 4 main servings.

6 pieces of Italian Sausage
1 Head of Broccoli Rabe
3 - 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 large can of Cannellini Beans
(If you plan ahead use fresh beans instead of canned beans)
2 - 4 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 pound Orecchiette Pasta

Put a large pot of water on to boil.
This will be your pot to cook the pasta in.

Take the Sausage meat out of the casing.
On medium heat, heat your frying pan and add the sausage meat to the pan.

Add the chopped garlic and a little bit of the olive oil.  You can also add a little bit of wine, water or chicken stock to deglaze the pan if necessary.
Add the large can of beans, juice and all into the sausage.

After you have washed the broccoli rabe, cut it into pieces, and add to the beans. Drizzle with the olive oil.
By now, your water should be boiling. Add salt to the water and then add the pasta. Don't skimp on the salt in the water. Pasta cooked without salt is tasteless. Cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the recommended cooking time on the box. Strain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of cooking liquid.

Season with salt, and pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Add the pasta to the broccoli rabe, sausage and beans.  If needed add some of the cooking liquid back to the pasta.

Spoon into individual serving bowls, top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley and enjoy!
Did I hear you say "Yum"?

Buon Appetito
xoxoxo
Lorraine