Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Stoup

By á-3013

Ingredients

• Salt
• 1 large bundle broccoli rabe, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds bulk Italian sweet or hot sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or very thinly sliced
• 1 red chile pepper, very thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• A few grates nutmeg
• 6 cups chicken stock-in-a-box
• 2 cups water
• 3/4 About 3/4 cup orecchietti pasta
• Grated pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano, for topping
• Crusty bread, such as ciabatta

Preparation

Step 1

In a medium pot, bring a few inches of water to a boil over medium heat, then salt the water. Trim the broccoli rabe and cut it into 1 1/2 to 2-inch lengths. Simmer in boiling water to reduce the bitterness, about 4 to 5 minutes, then cold shock in ice water and drain very well.

Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat with extra-virgin olive oil, a turn of the pan. Add the sausage and brown and crumble, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the onions, garlic and chile and cook a few minutes more. Add the thyme and lemon zest, then add broccoli rabe and season with a little nutmeg. Stir in the stock and the water and bring to a boil. Simmer a few minutes to combine the flavors. Turn off the heat, cool and store for a make-ahead meal. Reheat the stoup over low heat and bring to a low boil. Add the pasta and cook to al dente, about 10 minutes. Ladle the stoup in shallow bowls and garnish with cheese. Serve with crusty bread for mopping