Pasta Piselli...a family favorite growing up when Meatless Fridays were the norm. Yes, this recipe has bacon but not on Fridays. Lent is almost upon us, so this is perfect for this time of the liturgical year when Carnevale is observed: Carnevale means meat removed, not carnival (festival). There are many variations of this simple dish. It can be made with diced ham, heavy cream, a bit of tomatoes. Mine has an egg scrambled into it that adds another texture to this savory fare. I use frozen peas as these are closer to fresh than canned peas. I enjoy the "snap" and brighter green of frozen peas. If you'd like a healthier meal use wheat pasta. Somehow spaghetti is the bite and mouth-feel I enjoy most in piselli, though penne or your favorite shape of pasta can be used. I always have leftover pasta after Sunday supper is finished, so a Tuesday meal of pasta piselli is a weekday delight and oh, so easy after a long work day. Don't forget to top this meal off with a sprinkle of Parmesan-Romano cheese..perfetto! Toasty garlic bread compliments this dish and a tomato salad completes the meal. Mangiare e Gustare!! Eat & Enjoy!
Pasta, Peas & Bacon
1/2 box of spaghetti reserve a scant 1/2 cup of salty pasta water
1 & 1/2 cups frozen peas
6 slices of bacon
1 small onion, sliced
1 egg, scrambled
olive oil (if needed)
Parmesan-Romano cheese
Cook the spaghetti according to directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and put to the side. In a skillet fry up the bacon to
near crisp. Remove and set aside. In the bacon fat saute the onion until clear, then add peas and cook until done but still "crisp". Add cooked bacon to peas and onions, toss. Add 1/4 cup of hot pasta water and scrape up all the bits in skillet. Add pasta to peas/bacon/onions and toss. Add remaining hot pasta water. Mix well but gently so as not to break the peas. Bring to a simmer and add scrambled egg. Cook through, but don't over-cook. If it looks a bit "dry" drizzle with olive oil and toss. Serve in bowls and top with cheese. Yields: 2 servings
Remember To Make Memories At The Table
Nanette
No comments:
Post a Comment