Tag: pasta

Italian

Pastina (Italian Penicillin)

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Pastina is a classic recipe for when you are feeling sick or cold. It is ideal for older people or children, as well, because it is easy to digest. It isn’t meant to be fancy or heavily seasoned. Instead, rely on the simple flavors to comfort you. It feels silly to add the recipe here because it is so simple, but I have had a few people ask me for the recipe. The beauty is that it is ready to eat in ten minutes with ingredients you usually have on hand:)

You will need:

  • 2 cups chicken broth (bone broth preferred)
  • pinch of salt
  • 3/4 to one cup of pastina (or very small pasta like orzo)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Steps:

  • Bring the broth and salt to a rolling boil.
  • Add the pastina and cook for 8 minutes. Most of the liquid should be absorbed. I stir constantly because it tends to stick to the bottom as it absorbs.
  • Once the pastina is cooked, stir in the butter and the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Make sure the parmesan is good quality. Sometimes, if I feel fancy I might put a scrunch of black pepper.
  • Sprinkle some extra grated parmesan on top, and enjoy.
Italian

Creamy Roasted Tomato & Garlic Pasta

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Lately, I have been flagging recipes I like from Instagram and saving them to try later. I have been especially interested in weeknight meals rather than a Sunday show stopper. This sauce was definitely easy and worth the time. You could make it vegetarian or add some sausage or chicken to it, rather easily. I chose to slice up some Sundried tomato chicken sausage in a pan and add it to the pasta for a simple, fast meal. Here, you let the oven do all of the work, which frees you up to put together the rest of the ingredients. The roasting in the oven paired with fresh basil created a lot of flavor in a short amount of time. This recipe has been replicated over several sites. The only difference here is the addition of a little red pepper to balance the sweetness of the ricotta and roasted tomatoes. This took under 30 minutes to put together and was very easy.

You will need:

  • 1 lb of roma or campari tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 head of garlic with the root end sliced off
  • Olive oil, as needed (several glugs)
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 6-7 leaves of fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup of ricotta
  • Pasta of your choice- spaghetti, bucatini, busiati or penne

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375
  • Put tomatoes and garlic in a pyrex or casserole dish. Add salt, pepper and red pepper. Roast for 15 minutes.
  • While tomatoes are roasting, begin to boil pot of water for your pasta. Add salt to the pasta water.
  • When tomatoes are finished, add them to a blender. Squeeze garlic from the bulb, and and add that as well. Add basil and ricotta and blend until smooth.
  • Add the tomato sauce to a sauce pan over medium-low heat.
  • When pasta is finished (al dente), strain and add it to the sauce pan to finish off.
  • Work in reserve pasta water and some cheese (parmesan or romano) until creamy. Serve and enjoy.

Chicken Meatballs & Orzo in a sundried tomato sauce
Italian · Mediterranean

Chicken Meatballs & Orzo in a sundried tomato sauce

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This is a 100 percent comfort recipe and is part of the series of my finding solid weeknight one-pan recipes to enjoy after a long workday. There are many shortcuts you can take with the this recipe – using premade meatballs or switching meatballs for another leftover protein (shredded chicken, sausage), or if you prefer to make it all homeade, you can do that, as well.

This pasta sauce would work with many types of proteins (shrimp, chicken, beef, pork sausage). I opted for chicken meatballs because I wanted meatballs, but lighter. I also added mint and parlsey, rather than just basil because I think it is a good combination and I already had it on hand. Also, I like to use red chili flakes in sundried tomato sauces for additional flavor.

Another practical aspect of a one-pot meal, is that you can add other vegetables into the dish. I always like to sneak in as many vegetables as possible when cooking for my family. In this particular instance, I took some frozen spinach, patted it dry, and stirred into the sauce for an additional source of nutrition.

You will need:

Ingredients for the meatballs

  • 1 pounds ground chicken
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp sweet paprika
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 1/4 breadcrumbs, italian style
  • 1 egg
  • 2-3 tbsp chopped basil leaves (5 leaves), 1 tbs chopped mint (3-4 leaves),* 1 tbs chopped italian parsley*
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter for cooking

Ingredients for sauce and orzo

  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 shallot finely chopped
  • 16 oz dry orzo pasta
  • 1 tsp salt 
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried red chili flakes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp chopped basil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Combine all the ingredients for the meatballs in a large bowl. Mix until just combined, using your hands. Roll the meat into 2 tablespoon-sized balls. It makes for about 18 meatballs.
  • Heat oil and butter over medium in a large skillet or pot. Add meatballs and brown all over. Remove from skillet. They don’t need to be cooked through because they will finish cooking when returned to the sauce.
  • Add a little more olive oil to the pan if needed. Add shallot and garlic, cook for until fragrant (2-3 minutes). Add orzo and toast for 2 minutes while stirring. Stir in salt, peppers, oregano and tomato paste and mix it together.
  • Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered while stirring occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking, until almost al dente and almost all of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  • Add cream, sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Add lemon juice and stir in Parmesan. Return meatballs to the skillet, cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Bucatini Amatriciana
Italian

Bucatini Amatriciana

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The base of Amatriciana is guanciale (pork cheek), pecorino romano cheese and tomatoes. It is a fairly simple recipe to put together and you can use pancetta as a substitute for guanciale. Dried pasta is preferred – I prefer bucatini, but spaghetti or penne are perfectly acceptable. The recipe that follows is not mine – I got inspiration from Top Chef contestant Buddha and his “marry me” pasta. This is almost completely his recipe and we absolutely loved it. It has a lot of depth and flavor and is best served piping hot. Make sure to use a pan or cast-iron skillet/enamel ware that you can stick in the oven.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz guanciale or pancetta
  • 2 medium red shallots (finely diced)
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 (28 oz) can whole San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1 oz finely chopped thyme
  • 1 lb (16oz) bucatini
  • 1 cup finely grated pecorino romano cheese
  1. Over medium heat, add guanciale or pancetta to pot and cook for 5-7 min. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to a small bowl lined with a paper towel and set aside, leaving any rendered fat behind in the pot.
  2. Add shallots, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt to the pot, and cook for 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add tomato paste and continue stirring constantly. Add canned tomatoes and place a lid on the pot. Then take the pot and place in a 380F oven for 45 min.
  3. When you pull the pot from the oven, with a crush the tomatoes with a whisk into a sauce and add the crispy guanciale back into skilled and stir into the sauce until all the ingredients are incorporated. Season with salt to taste. Keep the sauce on low simmer.
  4. Boil bucatini until just shy of al dente. Using a large, slotted spoon transfer the pasta directly into the skillet and toss with the sauce and mix. Reserve a little pasta water to work into the sauce as needed until pasta is creamy and coated.
  5. Serve with finely grated pecorino, red pepper flakes and a splash of olive oil.
Italian

Homemade Pasta – Orecchiette

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Little ears – fun and easy to make

Orecchiette is my favorite short pasta. It means “little ears” and is pretty typical of southern Italy. I like it best because it holds the sauce in its little pocket, and when it is made fresh, the texture is absolutely delicious.

Count on prepping this two hours ahead. You will need 1/2 hour to rest the dough once assembled, a 1/2 hour to shape, and an hour to let the pasta dry. As a result, this is something I would only make on familia Sunday – maybe when I have extra hands to help or a little extra time. We are just too busy during the week.

Homemade pasta is the more flavorful than dried, and while you can certainly use all-purpose flour (I often do), a good quality fine-grade semolina flour makes a world of difference in texture and bite. Also, when you do little hand-rolled or knife shapes, I think it is a bit of fun. So if you have the time and resources, give it a try. This is a great-tasting semolina flour from Naples from Amazon and is the one I used for the recipe. Rimacinata refers to it being ground finely – this is idea for pasta and pizza dough. Pro-tip – when buying bags of flour of the internet, I put it in the freezer for 24 hours and then store in an air-tight container.

2 bags is around $10

Serving size – 5-6 adults

You will need:

  • 3 to 3 1/3 cups of semolina flour
  • 1 cup water, room temperature
  • 2/3 tsp fine salt

Steps:

  1. Place flour on a large pastry or cutting board and make a well in the center with your hand. Add salt to the center.
  2. Add water a little at a time, working the dough with your hand and making sure it is incorporated before adding more. You can use a tablespoon or your hand, whichever is easier for you.
  3. Knead the dough for about 6-7 minutes, until it is elastic and put together. You don’t want to overwork it and get it sticky.
  4. Form a dough ball and let it rest under a kitchen towel for 30 minutes.
  5. When rested, use a knife to cut off a portion of the dough. Roll into a snake shape until it is about one inch thick.
  6. Cut off slices about 1 cm wide.
  7. Use a knife with a round tip (like a typical dinner knife). Roll the slice towards you, pressing down.
  8. Then, take the pasta and shape it around your index finger on the opposite side. Repeat.
  9. Be sure not to place them sticking together, but giving a little room. Let the pasta dry for an hour before serving.
  10. *You may need to dust the board a bit with additional semolina flour.
Kneading is fast and easy, maybe 6 minutes, tops.
Conscripting your children into helping you is always a good idea.
Orecchiette and Sausage
Italian · Recipes

Orecchiette and Sausage

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This is a classic Italian winter dish. I really like to make it when it is cold outside, because the pasta is creamy and filling.  I also like to use spicy sausage instead of mild, or blend in a proportion of both. Broccoli rabe is the classic vegetable used in Italy, but regular broccoli or an alternate like kale or peas is also fine.  I’ve also seen a variation with cooked tomatoes that was especially delicious. In truth, rather than being a purist, I embrace my grandmother’s philosophy of cleaning out the vegetable drawer with what is on hand. There is a lot of variety to the dish, but what is below is closest to the classic version. This will feed around 5 to 6 people. Feel free to ramp up the butter and/or cheese if you want something more decadent.

Many non-Italians are not used to incorporating pasta water, but I highly recommend it, as it helps add creaminess to the overall dish. Also, make sure to salt your pasta water:) Fresh grated cheese really makes a huge difference. There are debates about which cheese is canon, but I personally prefer a blend of Asiago & Parmesan.

You will need:

  • 1 pound orecchiette
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, removed from casings (or spicy, if you prefer)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 reserve pasta water
  • broccoli florets or kale
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4-5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or Parmesan ( I personally use a blend of Asiago & Parmesan)

Step one:

Make sure to salt your water for the pasta with kosher salt. If you cannot find orecchiette, substitute small shells. Cook the pasta al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water to set aside.

Step two:

Once you have the pasta started, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large sauté pan and add the sausage. Cook, breaking the meat up with a spoon, until the sausage starts to brown, 5-6 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook a minute more. Season the meat with salt & red pepper flakes. Remove the meat from pan. Add the reserve pasta water, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, broccoli, chicken broth. Cook, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is tender-crisp, 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the butter until melted and simmer for a few minutes to reduce and concentrate the sauce. Add the sausage back in.

Step three:

Add the cooked and drained pasta and toss well.

Fresh grated cheese really makes a difference here. It is really worth the extra step and effort. However, if you have to substitute it’s not the end of the world. If you can’t find Asiago or Romano, it’s fine to substitute Parmigiano Reggiano.

Homemade pasta
Italian · Recipes

Homemade pasta

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In the age of pasta machines and convenience, something gets lost in the translation. Making your own pasta is relatively easy, and you can find the same essential recipe all over the Internet – because sometimes you don’t need to improve a simple perfection. I’m not suggesting you make this on a school night, when there is a ton of chaos – but this is a lovely treat on the weekend or for a special occasion. This recipe makes about a pound of pasta.

Recipe level: easy

Time: hour total

You will need:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbs olive oil

Step one:

Whisk flour and salt together in a large bowl. Make a well in the center. Add eggs and olive oil.

Stir with a fork. Once the dough becomes too thick, knead it on a clean work surface until you have a stiff ball of dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it sit for at least half an hour.

Step two:

Unwrap and cut the dough ball into fourths.

Wrap three portions of the ball back in plastic. Liberally sprinkle the portion with flour and roll until it is very thin. You should be able to see your hand.

Step three:

Fold over and slice thin strips with a knife. Shake out strands and dust with a bit more flour.

Step four:

Cook pasta in salted, boiling water for about three minutes. Remember fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried.

Enjoy!