Toasted Bread with Broccoli: Pancotto con Broccoli

• 3 1/2 pounds broccoli
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for garnish
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 red chile pepper, cut in half
• 8 (1-inch) slices day-old Italian peasant bread, cut into 1-inch chunks
• Salt
• Grated Parmesan, for garnish

1. Bring 8 quarts water to a rolling boil and add 2 tablespoons salt.
2. Add the broccoli and cook until tender, about 6 minutes.
3. Drain, reserve the cooking liquid and set aside.
4. In a 12-inch saucepan, heat the olive oil until hot but not smoking.
5. Add the garlic and chile pepper halves and cook until soft and light golden brown, about 5 minutes.
6. While the garlic and pepper cook, cut the drained broccoli into small florets, about 1/2-inch each.
7. Add the bread to the pan with a few ladles of reserved broccoli water.
8. Then add the broccoli, season with salt and simmer 4 to 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with extra-virgin olive oil and grated Parmesan.
10. Serve very hot.

broccoli, extravirgin olive oil, garlic, red chile pepper, bread, salt, parmesan

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mario-batali/toasted-bread-with-broccoli-pancotto-con-broccoli-recipe.html (may not work)