Broccoli and Bowties

When I was on my deathbed a couple of weeks ago my neighbor brought me dinner and it was very yummy. A perfect light summer meal. She just sent me the recipe so here you go...

Broccoli and Bow Ties

Kosher Salt

8 C. broccoli florets (4 heads)

½ lb. farfalle (bow tie) pasta

2 T. unsalted butter

2 T. olive oil

1 t. minced garlic

1 lemon, zested

½ t. freshly ground black pepper

1 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

¼ cup toasted pignoli (pine) nuts

Freshly grated Parmesan, optional

Cook the broccoli for 3 minutes in a large pot of boiling salted water. Remove the broccoli from the water with a slotted spoon or sieve. Place in a large bowl and set aside.

In the same water, cook the bow-tie pasta according to the package directions, about 12 minutes. Drain well and add to the broccoli.

Meanwhile, in a small sauté pan, heat the butter and oil and cook the garlic and lemon zest over medium-low heat for 1 minute. Off the heat, add 1 t. salt, the pepper, and lemon juice and pour this over the broccoli and pasta. Toss well. Season to taste, sprinkle with the pignolis and cheese, if using, and serve.

To toast pignolis, place them in a dry sauté pan over medium-low heat and cook, tossing often, for about 5 minutes, until brown.