Elbow Macaroni With Pine Nuts Lemon And Fennel Recipes

BRAISED CHICKEN WITH DATES, LEMON AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• The day before cooking, stir together the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika and fennel in a small bowl until well combined. Season the chicken on all sides with salt and pepper, then coat the meat with the spice mixture. Refrigerate overnight to season.
• When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over high heat until it barely begins to smoke. Sear the chicken skin-side down until browned and crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove to a plate and reserve.
• Add the garlic, onions and carrots to the same pot and cook until the vegetables are caramelized, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and white wine and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pot and top with the dates, olives and lemons. Bake, uncovered, until the chicken is tender, 45 minute to an hour. Sprinkle with the pine nuts, mint and cilantro and serve immediately.

ELBOW MACARONI WITH CRISPY BREADCRUMBS AND BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the breadcrumbs and toast, stirring constantly, until they are crisp and golden, 4 to 5 minutes, taking care not to let them burn. Scrape into a small bowl and toss with the lemon zest and parsley and then season with salt.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente while you make the sauce. Wipe out the skillet used to toast the breadcrumbs and return it to medium-high heat. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil and, when the oil is hot, add the broccoli and toss to coat. Saute until it turns bright green, 2 to 3 minutes, then add the garlic and pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute, then pour in the stock. Simmer until the broccoli is tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
• When the pasta is done, scoop it out of the water with a spider or a small strainer and add directly to the sauce, reserving the pasta water. Simmer the pasta with the sauce just to blend the flavors, 1 to 2 more minutes, then drizzle with a tablespoon or so of olive oil and toss again.
• If the sauce seems dry, add up to 1/2 cup pasta water. Off the heat, stir in the cheese. Serve in warmed bowls and sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture.

ELBOW MACARONI WITH PINE NUTS, LEMON AND FENNEL

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• In a large bowl, add the vinegar and 1/2 cup of the oil. Add the pine nuts, olives, cherry pepper, capers and lemon zest. Toss the sliced fennel with the lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Combine the fennel with the dressing mixture. Add the fennel fronds and mint. Season with pepper. Let it sit while you cook the pasta.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse and pat dry on a sheet pan lined with a kitchen towel. In a large bowl, toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil.
• Add the pasta to the fennel mixture and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the pasta with the cheese. Serve room temperature.