Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1114 · Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa

Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa, and where to source it

Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa Italian 5best2buy.com

Cook the orecchiette in the same water you blanch the rapa in, dropping the pasta in with the greens. One pot, and the pasta drinks the bitter green flavor.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook20 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineItalian
Cost$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten · fish
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Broccoli rabe
Also sold as rapini or cime di rapa. Bitter and leafy. The whole point of the dish.
1.5 lb
Source it →
Orecchiette
Dried bronze-die orecchiette, or fresh Pugliese if you can find it. The cup shape catches the greens.
1 lb
Local / market
Salt-packed anchovies
Three or four, melted into the oil. They carry the salt and depth.
4
Local / market
Garlic
Three cloves, sliced thin.
3 cloves
Source it →
Dried chili
A whole peperoncino or a pinch of flakes.
1
Local / market
Stale bread
For breadcrumbs, toasted in oil. The southern stand-in for cheese.
2 slices
Local / market
Olive oil
Pugliese extra virgin, robust and green.
1/3 cup
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Toast the crumbsTear the stale bread into crumbs and toast in a little oil until deep gold. Set aside.
  2. Trim the rabeTrim the thick stems and cut the rabe into short lengths.
  3. Blanch and boilBoil the rabe in salted water 2 minutes, then add the orecchiette to the same pot and cook until the pasta is al dente.
  4. Melt the anchovyIn a wide pan, warm the oil with garlic, chili, and anchovies until the anchovies dissolve.
  5. TossDrain the pasta and greens, saving a little water, and toss in the anchovy oil. Loosen with pasta water and finish with the toasted crumbs.
The Toolkit

Large pot · Skillet · Colander

Straight Answers
Can you make Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1114