Pasta with Peas, Bacon, Mint, and Ricotta

Pasta with Peas, Bacon, Mint, and Ricotta

Pasta with Peas, Bacon, Mint, and Ricotta

It’s a sprightly mash-up of two traditional Italian pasta dishes: Paglia e Fieno and Pasta e Fagioli. Paglia e fieno, translates to “straw and hay” named for its two color fettuccine made from both egg and spinach. The yellow and green pastas are typically paired with prosciutto and peas and Parmesan. Pasta e fagioli is a brothy dish combining pasta and beans.

Here, conchigliette (small pasta shells) are paired with peas and bacon in a flavorful chicken and vermouth-based broth, brightened with fresh mint. Scoops of whole milk ricotta are stirred into the broth taking the place of the traditional rich Parmesan cream sauce. A sprightly mash-up indeed.

Pasta with Peas, Bacon, Mint, and Ricotta Recipe

Continue reading “Pasta with Peas, Bacon, Mint, and Ricotta”

Inspired by Ottolenghi

rigatoni, roasted oyster mushroom, arugula, smoky chile walnuts, garlicky yogurt, feta

rigatoni, roasted oyster mushrooms, arugula
smoky chile walnuts, garlicky yogurt, feta

While Chef Yotam Ottolenghi makes his with conchiglie, peas, pine nuts, and basil – my dish with rigatoni, oyster mushrooms, walnuts, and arugula was totally inspired from the recipe in his fabulous cookbook Jerusalem. 

There are endless combinations of pasta, vegetables, and greens that can work with this garlicky yogurt sauce, feta, and smoky chile walnuts. With its pretty earth-tones, varying textures, and smoky flavors – this is one super-satisfying vegetarian meal.

inspired by ottolenghi recipe

Continue reading “Inspired by Ottolenghi”

A Pasta Made Exclusively from Black Beans?

black bean spaghetti, heirloom tomato, garlic, basil

black bean pasta
heirloom tomato, garlic, basil, red pepper flakes, olive oil

The noodles are marketed as “Organic Black Bean Spaghetti Shape” but the shape is actually closer to a cross between linguini and capellini. A long flat skinny noodle. The flavor is definitely reminiscent of beans, and the tooth is chewy in a pleasant way.

I was not expecting to be impressed, but it turns out that this pasta substitute is actually good. Really good. Love the creamy black color, al dente texture, mild sweet bean-y flavor, and earthy aroma. I think my gluten-free friends will be extra happy at our next Italian-themed dinner party…

black bean pasta recipe

Continue reading “A Pasta Made Exclusively from Black Beans?”

peas & pasta, garlicky yogurt sauce, smoky chile walnuts

peas & pasta, yogurt sauce, smoky walnuts
peas & pasta
pea sprouts, basil, feta
garlicky yogurt sauce, smoky chile walnuts

peas & pasta, garlicky yogurt sauce, smoky chile walnuts

Color, texture, aroma, flavor – it’s all here in this delightful pasta bowl. Beautiful green peas and fresh pea sprouts, summery herbaceous basil, toasty walnuts cooked with hot chile and smoky paprika, a garlicky creamy yogurt sauce, briny tangy feta. Nope, nothing’s missing.

Continue reading “peas & pasta, garlicky yogurt sauce, smoky chile walnuts”

Southern Greens Pasta served in a Roasted Squash Bowl

southern greens pasta
Southern Greens & Pasta
Mustard, Turnip, Collards, Spinach

simmered in Chicken Broth
Black Forest Bacon, Onion, Garlic, Red Chile Flakes
Apple Cider Vinegar, Olive Oil
tossed with
Fusillata Casareccia (open s-shape twist pasta)

southern greens fusillata casareccia
Southern Greens & Pasta
served in a
Roasted Butternut Squash Bowl
finished with
Grated Parmesan

Continue reading “Southern Greens Pasta served in a Roasted Squash Bowl”