1/2 lb. pasta of choice ( I used mezze maniche rigate)

2 cups broccoli florets

2 cup vegetable broth

6 TBsp unsalted butter

9 cloves of black garlic- smashed

2 TBsp shallots- diced

Cook pasta accordingly. Steam broccoli for 2 minutes. Drain pasta and add shallots and butter and cook a few minutes then add the garlic then the broth. Add broccoli to pasta. Thicken with a bit of flour, if needed. Top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.

Simple, elegant, flavorful- and quick!

Ok- black garlic. What the hell is that? My wife surprised me with a head of this. After some research, I found out it is actually regular garlic that is fermented under high heat for a month or so. The result? A black as black clove that is so tender- basically paste like. It is super mild and has a sweet , almost balsamic flavor. I used half the head, so look for more recipes using it to come. Oh the possibilities!!