tenderstem broccoli vermicelloni with chorizo

... i've been in a relationship for so long now that I don't think i'd know what to do if I had to go on a date. The thought sends shivers down my spine and I realise how lucky I am when I talk to my single friends and hear the horrors that they have to endure. Whilst I embrace modern technology I'm so thankful that I never had to deal with the current avalanche of the on-line dating world. It looks utterly scary and completely alien and I cannot think of anything worse. So much pressure is placed on compatibility... will I get on with this new person, what will we talk about, will we have anything in common... one of the things that you learn from being in a long-term relationship is that it's not always about compatibility. Sure, it's nice to know you both like mashed potato but whilst you're busy looking for someone who likes star trek and not laying on a beach on holiday what is actually important is if the person you're with is a decent human being... are they nice to you and those around you. A good person is a person i'd want to spend my life with... a good person is the person I have chosen to spend my life with...

... it also helps if they're impressed with what I put down in front of them to eat...

tenderstem broccoli vermicelloni with chorizo
sometimes a simple pasta dish is the best way to taste something as fresh and natural as these stunning tenderstems... the good people at tenderstem sent me a wonderful hamper stuffed with goodies that they say make for the perfect Date Night food... food that compliments the wonderful fresh broccoli that is so tender you can eat it all the way down to the stem. It’s a great ingredient for so many main dishes and accompaniments, from the most sophisticated to the simplest...as well as being quick and easy to cook, so I guess it does make it the perfect date night ingredient... of course I chose to keep it as simple as possible with just a few ingredients and created this vibrant pasta dish. I really don't eat much pasta at home so for me this is actually a special treat and I love the fact that you each ingredient has it's own clear personality but also works so well together in one.

this recipe is enough for two people

1 packet of tenderstem broccoli - roughly chopped
1 chorizo sausage - chopped
1 medium onion - finely chopped
lots of parmesan cheese - grated
pasta of your choice - I used 250g of fabulous black dog vermicelloni
a little finely sliced red chilli
olive oil

get your pasta on in the usual way with a giant pot of boiling water and a little salt... I have a large pan that has room for pasta and a steamer on top which I used to par-steam the broccoli

heat a large pan with a little olive oil then throw in the the chorizo and onion and let it all gently sweat and soften, the chorizo will release plenty of red fat which is wonderful

place the broccoli above the boiling pasta in a steamer and let it steam for 3 minutes, then remove and set aside

once the pasta is ready drain it but set aside a cup of the pasta water

throw the pasta into the pan with the onions and chirozo and add a large handful of grated parmesan, half the cup of pasta water and quickly mix it all together, stir in the tenderstem and add a little more pasta water if you feel it needs lubrication before serving

eat and of course, enjoy!