Broccoli and Orecchiette with Yoghurt and Peas
This is a recipe from a food writer I return to often. It comes originally from Hetty Lui McKinnon, whose book Community has quietly shaped the we serve vegetables at home. Her food is generous and unfussy, built on good produce and thoughtful combinations, and this pasta is a perfect example—simple to make, comforting to eat, and surprisingly bright.The yoghurt dressing is the key: creamy, gently garlicky, and lifted with peas and olive oil. Tossed with warm pasta, tender broccoli and basil, it becomes a dish that works equally well as a light meal or as part of a shared table.
Servings 6 people
Ingredients
- 500 g Greek yoghurt
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 4-5 Tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 400 g peas defrosted
- black pepper
- salt
- 500 g orecchiette pasta Use gluten free pasta for a GF version.
- 2 head broccoli cut into florets
- ½ cup basil roughly torn leaves
- 1 Tbsp pine nuts toasted
- ½ tsp chilli flakes optional
Instructions
- Begin with the yoghurt dressing. In a food processor, combine the yoghurt, garlic, 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, half a cup of the peas, and a couple of generous pinches of salt and black pepper. Blitz until smooth and pale green. The dressing should be loose, about the consistency of pouring cream—add a little more olive oil if needed. Set aside.500 g Greek yoghurt, 2 cloves garlic, 4-5 Tbsp olive oil, 400 g peas, black pepper, salt
- Cook the orecchiette in plenty of well-salted water until al dente. Drain and briefly refresh under cold running water to stop the cooking.500 g orecchiette pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water back to the boil and cook the broccoli for about 3 minutes, until just tender. Add the remaining peas for the final 30 seconds, just to warm them through. Drain and refresh.2 head broccoli, 400 g peas
- To assemble, add the pasta to the yoghurt dressing a little at a time, stirring gently. Adding it gradually helps prevent the yoghurt from splitting. Fold through the broccoli, peas and basil, tasting and adjusting the seasoning if needed.½ cup basil
- Transfer to a serving bowl and scatter over the toasted pine nuts and chilli flakes, if using. Serve while still slightly warm, or at room temperature.1 Tbsp pine nuts, ½ tsp chilli flakes
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