ears, sausage and broccoli rabe Recipe

Ingredients

• For the Sauce:
• 2 lbs. broccoli di rape
• 1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausage
• 5 tablespoons good olive oil
• 3 large cloves garlic crushed
• Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
• 1 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
• 1 cup or more excellent chicken stock
• For the Pasta:
• 6 quarts water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 lb. orecchiette pasta
• For Serving:
• 1 ounce or more Pecorino Romano cheese grated
• Special Equipment Suggested:
• A 12-inch saute pan 3 inches deep, with tight-fitting cover
• A tall stockpot holding at least 2 gallons with cover
• A large warm platter or warm soup bowls or plates