Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 2–3

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Introduction

This vibrant sheet pan dinner brings together roasted broccolini, tender orecchiette, briny Ifernata olives, and a deeply aromatic Sambal Sesame Crisp made with glowing achiote-paprika oil. It’s rich, spicy, nutty, and brightened with lemon and herbs — the kind of sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.

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What You’ll Need

Sambal Sesame Crisp

• 1 cup olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp achiote paste or powder
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp sambal oelek
• 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp finely chopped oregano
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper

For the Sheet Pan

• 1 bunch broccolini
• 200 g orecchiette pasta
• 1/4 cup Ifernata olives, roughly chopped
• Olive oil, for roasting
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• (Optional) 1–2 sausages of your choice — Italian, spicy, or fennel work great

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Instructions

1. Make the Achiote Oil
In a small pot over low heat, combine olive oil (or avocado oil), paprika, and achiote. Gently warm until the oil turns a deep red — don’t overheat; you want to infuse, not fry. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes, then strain through a coffee filter or cheesecloth for a clear, red-hued oil.

2. Build the Sambal Sesame Crisp
In a bowl, mix the strained red oil with toasted sesame seeds, toasted pumpkin seeds, sambal oelek, garlic, parsley, oregano, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and cracked pepper. Stir to combine — you’re looking for a glossy, textured sauce.

3. Roast the Broccolini (and Sausage, if using)
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange broccolini on a sheet pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper. If using sausage, place it on the same pan. Roast for 12–15 minutes, until the broccolini is lightly charred and tender, and the sausage is cooked through.

4. Cook the Orecchiette
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orecchiette until al dente, then drain well.

5. Assemble the Sheet Pan
Slice the roasted sausage (if using) and return it to the tray. Add the drained orecchiette, chopped Ifernata olives, and spoon the Sambal Sesame Crisp all over. Toss gently so everything glistens in the red oil and seeds.

6. Serve
Serve straight from the sheet pan — let the sauce pool and cling to the pasta, broccolini, and olives. Finish with extra lemon zest for brightness.

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Chef’s Notes

• Oil Temperature: Keep the heat low when infusing olive or avocado oil to preserve flavor and avoid bitterness.
• Upgrade It: Add roasted sausage for a heartier version — it soaks up the oil beautifully.
• Reuse It: Any leftover red oil can be jarred and used on eggs, noodles, or roasted vegetables for a quick hit of flavor.
• Olive Tip: The Ifernata olives add a subtle, smoky brininess — if you can’t find them, substitute with Castelvetrano or other mild green olives.