Dinner: Whole Wheat Oricchiette with Bitter Greens and Radishes

Recipe by The Bon Appétit Test Kitchen Radishes and breadcrumbs give this greens-packed vegetarian pasta its crunchy texture.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon

Health benefits of Whole Wheat Oricchiette with Bitter Greens and Radishes

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form.

Ingredients

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
3/4 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs made from whole wheat bread
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 pound whole wheat orecchiette (little ear-shaped pasta)
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 medium radishes (8 ounces), sliced into 1/4" rounds
3 garlic cloves, sliced
2 bunches bitter greens (such as escarole), trimmed, chopped
1 cup finely grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns

Instructions

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp, 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl; stir in lemon zest and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain, reserving 2 cups pasta cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add radishes; cook, stirring often, until browned in spots but still crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil and garlic to skillet; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add greens and 1 cup pasta cooking liquid and cook, stirring often, until greens start to wilt. Add pasta and cheese; stir until cheese melts and sauce is slightly thickened, adding more pasta cooking liquid by 1/4-cupfuls if too dry. Stir in radishes, lemon juice, and pepper. Season with salt. Sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture.

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