Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon

If you’re craving a dish packed with bold, vibrant flavors and a delightful mix of textures, this Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon recipe is an absolute must-try. It strikes the perfect balance between zesty, savory, and slightly tangy notes, making each bite a memorable experience. The tender purple sprouting broccoli adds a subtle earthiness, while the anchovies and preserved lemon bring depth and a wonderful umami punch to the pasta. Whether you’re after a quick weekday dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers big-time flavor with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavor Combination: The anchovies and preserved lemon create a deliciously complex taste.
• Vibrant & Nutritious: Purple sprouting broccoli adds an eye-catching colour and packed with vitamins.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Texture Harmony: Tender pasta paired with slightly crunchy broccoli makes every bite exciting.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce for easy, fuss-free cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a critical role in making this Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon come alive. From the anchovies’ salty depth to the preserved lemon’s bright zing, these simple components combine for a wonderful symphony of flavors and textures.

• Pasta: Choose your favorite type like spaghetti or linguine to soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Purple Sprouting Broccoli: Adds a vibrant splash of color and a mild earthy crunch.
• Anchovies: Melted into the oil, they bring a rich umami base without overpowering the dish.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic warmth and depth with every bite.
• Preserved Lemon: Adds a zesty, slightly salty tang that brightens the whole dish.
• Olive Oil: A smooth, fruity base that ties all the flavors together.
• Chili Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat if you like a touch of spice.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish.
• Fresh Herbs (optional): Parsley or basil can be added for an extra burst of freshness.

Variations for Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon

This recipe is incredibly versatile, letting you customize based on what’s in your pantry or your personal preferences. Here are some fun twists you can try to keep things exciting and cater to various dietary needs.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip anchovies and add capers or olives to maintain the salty punch.
• Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal.
• Spice it Up: Increase the chili flakes or add fresh chopped chili for more heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish gluten-friendly without compromising taste.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an added crunchy texture.

How to Make Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by trimming the purple sprouting broccoli, cutting the stalks into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely and chop the preserved lemon skin into small strips, avoiding the bitter white pith. If using fresh herbs, roughly chop those too.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Sauté Anchovies and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the anchovies and gently stir until they melt into the oil. Toss in the garlic and chili flakes (if using), cooking for a minute until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Add the Purple Sprouting Broccoli

Introduce the broccoli to the pan and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it begins to soften yet retains some crunch.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Lemon

Transfer the drained pasta to the pan with the broccoli. Add the preserved lemon strips and a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles. Toss everything together thoroughly.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finish with fresh herbs if desired and serve straightaway while warm and fragrant.

Pro Tips for Making Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Keep a slight bite to maintain its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
• Use Good Quality Olive Oil: It enhances the flavor dramatically.
• Preserved Lemon Prep: Rinse if overly salty, or soak briefly in warm water to mellow intensity.
• Reserve Pasta Water: It’s perfect for loosening the sauce and binding everything together.
• Anchovies Melt Fast: Stir gently to avoid breaking them into too small pieces.

How to Serve Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon

Garnishes

Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a handful of pine nuts, or an extra drizzle of high-quality olive oil to bring everything together and add richness.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or serve alongside garlic-rubbed toasted bread for scooping every last bit of savory goodness off the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, plate the pasta in individual bowls topped with vibrant herb sprigs and thin lemon zest curls. You can also add edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked broccoli and anchovy mixture separately for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the pasta as its texture can become mushy after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Microwaving works too but less evenly.

FAQs

Can I use regular broccoli instead of purple sprouting broccoli?

Absolutely! Regular broccoli works well and will still provide a lovely texture and flavor, just without the beautiful purple hue.

Is this recipe suitable for pescatarians?

Yes, it’s perfect for pescatarians due to the anchovies adding a subtle seafood flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Can I substitute preserved lemon with fresh lemon?

While fresh lemon offers brightness, preserved lemons provide a unique tang and saltiness that fresh lemon can’t replicate exactly. You can use zest and juice of fresh lemon as a substitute but expect a different flavor profile.

What’s the best pasta type for this dish?

Long pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle are excellent because their thin strands easily absorb the sauce and pair perfectly with the broccoli.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe is mild by default but you can adjust the chili flakes or fresh chili added to achieve your preferred level of heat.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that’s quick, flavorful, and absolutely delicious, you can’t go wrong with Pasta & Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Anchovies, Garlic & Preserved Lemon. It’s the perfect combination of savory, zesty, and fresh that feels both comforting and adventurous on your plate. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find your new favorite pasta dinner!

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