Sun-Dried Tomato & Brocolli Pasta with Pangrattoto

Step 1/10

• 400 g penne

• saucepan

First up, get your pasta cooking in salted boiling water.

Step 2/10

• 10 sun-dried tomatoes

• blender

If using jarred sun-dried tomatoes, drain them from the oil. If using dried, rehydrate them with some of the pasta water for about 1 minute. Once they have soften, add them to a blender.

Step 3/10

• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 lemons

To the blender, add the chilli flakes, peeled garlic cloves, nutritional yeast (if using), tomato paste / purée, a pinch of sea salt and the zest and juice of 1 lemon (save the other for later). Add a few tablespoons of the rehydrating water or some from the tap. Blitz the mixture until it’s a smooth paste.

Step 4/10

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 180 g breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 3 tsp mixed herbs
• 1 pinch sea salt

• nonstick pan

To make the pangrattoto (or crispy breadcrumbs), in a non-stick frying pan placed over a low heat, add a touch of oil followed by the breadcrumbs, lemon zest and juice, garlic powder, mixed herbs and seasoning. Toast the breadcrumbs for a few minutes until they are nice and golden. They do turn quickly, so keep them moving in the pan.

Step 5/10

• 1 head broccoli

Cut the broccoli into small florets.

Step 6/10

• 3 tbsp sliced almonds

Preheat a large saucepan over a medium heat, add a touch of oil followed by the broccoli and flaked almonds, sauté for a couple of minutes or until the almonds are golden.

Step 7/10

Add the sun-dried tomato paste to the pan and stir well, making sure the broccoli is coated. Let the sauce and broccoli cook away for 3-4 minutes over a low heat, stirring regularly.

Step 8/10

Once you’re pasta is cooked, drain it from the water (but don’t throw the water away) and add it to the sauce.

Step 9/10

• basil (for garnish)
• pepper

Mix really well making sure all the pasta is coated. Add some black pepper, chopped basil leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. Gradually add some of the retained pasta water to make it more ‘saucy’ if necessary.

Step 10/10

Serve your pasta with plenty of the toasted breadcrumbs sprinkled over the top.

Enjoy your meal!