She Strengthens

Garlic’s Secret Savior: A Delicious Twist on Broccoli Pasta

A Family Secret Revealed

Growing up, I was fortunate to have a wise uncle who shared a clever trick to prevent garlic from burning. His simple yet effective method involved adding a liquid to the pan just as the garlic starts to take on color. This technique has since become a staple in my kitchen, and I’ve experimented with various liquids to create unique flavor profiles.

The Birth of a Recipe

One day, I decided to combine my uncle’s trick with a classic broccoli and pasta dish. I substituted chicken broth or wine with beer, which added a fascinating bitter tang to the broccoli. The result was a mouthwatering, 15-minute meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner.

Gather Your Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 1/4 lb bowtie pasta (or your preferred amount)
• Kosher salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/3 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup Blue Moon Beer
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 poached egg (optional)

Cooking Up a Storm

To prepare this dish, follow these steps:

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente, leaving a bit of bite for the beer to soak into.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Broccoli

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add broccoli and a pinch of salt. Cook until the broccoli begins to brown.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Beer

Grate in the clove of garlic, adding more oil if the pan is too dry. When the garlic starts to take on color, pour in the Blue Moon Beer. Cover the pan and let the broccoli steam for a few minutes.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Flavors

Stir in cooked pasta, optional red pepper flakes, and a splash more beer and oil if needed. Continue cooking uncovered for 1-2 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

The Finishing Touches

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and add a lightly salted poached egg if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors!