Embark on a culinary journey to Southern Italy with orecchiette, a traditional ear-shaped pasta that perfectly captures the essence of rustic Italian cuisine. Originating from the Puglia region, orecchiette is renowned for its unique texture that pairs wonderfully with an array of flavorful sauces. In this article, we present a collection of three delectable orecchiette recipes that showcase the versatility of this beloved pasta. From the classic combination of bacon, lemon, and cream to the rich flavors of sausage and broccoli rabe, and the simplicity of garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes, these recipes cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with authentic Italian flavors as you explore the culinary delights of orecchiette.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
CREAMY PASTA WITH SMOKED BACON AND PEAS
This elegant riff on a childhood favorite came to The Times in 2009 by way of Jamie Oliver, the British chef and cookbook author. It was featured in his cookbook "Jamie's Food Revolution: Rediscover How to Cook Simple, Delicious, Affordable Meals," and it's a favorite of his daughters, Poppy and Daisy. It's wholesome (no powdered cheese!), and it can be ready in about 15 minutes.
Provided by Alex Witchel
Categories dinner, easy, quick, pastas, main course
Time 15m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted to a boil. Meanwhile, cut sliced bacon crosswise into thin slivers, or slice pancetta into julienne. Add pasta to boiling water and cook to taste.
- While pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat, and add 2 tablespoons olive oil and the butter. Add bacon or pancetta and a sprinkling of pepper, and fry until golden and crisp. Immediately add frozen peas and stir for a minute or two. Add crème fraîche or heavy cream and chopped mint.
- Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and drain the pasta. Add pasta to the skillet and stir. Add lemon juice, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. The mixture should be thick; if desired, a splash of the pasta water may be added to the sauce to thin it slightly. Add Parmesan and stir to mix. If desired, serve with a green salad.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 699, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 66 grams, Fat 35 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 29 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 766 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams
ORECCHIETTE WITH SAVOY CABBAGE, PEAS, AND LEMON CREAM
Categories Milk/Cream Pasta Sauté Quick & Easy Lemon Pea Cabbage Dill Gourmet
Yield Makes 4 main-course servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook pasta in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
- While pasta is cooking, heat butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté cabbage, stirring, until pale golden, about 6 minutes. Add scallions, chicken broth, and cream and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in peas, zest, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Ladle out 1 cup pasta cooking water and reserve, then drain pasta in a colander. Combine pasta with cabbage mixture and 3/4 cup reserved pasta water in a large bowl (or in pot).
- If pasta looks dry, moisten with some of remaining water.
Tips:
- Use fresh orecchiette pasta. Fresh pasta cooks more quickly and has a better texture than dried pasta. If you can't find fresh orecchiette, you can use dried orecchiette, but be sure to cook it according to the package directions.
- Don't overcook the pasta. Orecchiette should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and bland.
- Use good quality bacon. Thick-cut bacon will give the dish a more robust flavor. You can also use pancetta or guanciale instead of bacon.
- Render the bacon fat before adding the other ingredients. This will help to flavor the dish and prevent the bacon from becoming chewy.
- Add the lemon zest and juice at the end of cooking. This will help to preserve their bright flavor.
- Serve the orecchiette immediately. This dish is best served fresh out of the pan, while the pasta is still hot and the sauce is creamy.
Conclusion:
Orecchiette with bacon, lemon, and cream is a simple but delicious pasta dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The combination of salty bacon, bright lemon, and creamy sauce is sure to please everyone at the table. This dish can also be easily customized to your liking. For example, you could add some chopped vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, to the sauce. You could also use a different type of cheese, such as Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. No matter how you choose to make it, orecchiette with bacon, lemon, and cream is a surefire hit.
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