Pappardelle With Fresh Ricotta Squash Blossoms And Basil Oil Recipes

PAPPARDELLE WITH GREENS AND RICOTTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice water. When the water comes to a boil, salt generously and add the greens (you may have to do this in two batches). After the water returns to a boil, boil two to four minutes until the greens are tender. Using a deep-fry skimmer or slotted spoon, transfer them to the ice water. Do not drain the hot water in the pot, as you'll use it to cook the pasta. Drain the greens, squeeze dry and chop.
• Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy nonstick skillet. Add the garlic, cook for about a minute just until fragrant, and stir in the greens. Toss in the hot pan for about a minute, just until the greens are lightly coated with oil and fragrant with garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and remove from the heat.
• Place the ricotta in a large pasta bowl. Bring the water for the pasta back to a boil, and add the pappardelle. Cook al dente. Ladle 1/2 cup of the cooking water from the pasta into the ricotta and stir together. Drain the pasta, and toss with the ricotta, greens and cheeses. Serve at once.

PAPPARDELLE WITH PANCETTA AND PEAS

Steps:

• Set a small saucepan of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add pancetta and cook for 1 minute, then drain and set aside.
• Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil on the back burner, for cooking the pasta.
• Meanwhile, put basil, parsley and mint in a mortar or mini food processor and mash to a coarse paste with about 1/4 cup oil. Set aside.
• Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add green garlic and peas, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Allow garlic and peas to sizzle without browning for about 1 minute. Add reserved pancetta and 1/2 cup water, and bring to a simmer for 1 minute more. Stir in mustard greens to wilt slightly, then add herb paste, ricotta and lemon zest. Turn off the heat
• Cook the pasta at a brisk simmer until al dente. Drain and toss gently with ingredients in skillet. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a warm platter or individual dishes and serve immediately. Pass grated cheese at the table.

BAKED RICOTTA WITH SPRING VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil, add the asparagus and blanch 5 minutes. Drain and set aside. Toss mushrooms with 2 teaspoons of the oil and sear in a small skillet over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
• Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet with 1 teaspoon oil. Place ricotta in a bowl. Fold in the Parmesan, mozzarella, oregano, egg and egg yolk. Season with salt and pepper. Spread in the cast-iron skillet. Gently swirl in the pesto, leaving streaks of it.
• Heat a broiler. Place the cast-iron skillet on a burner turned to low and let cook about 10 minutes, until heated through and showing signs of browning along the edges. Remove from heat. Scatter the asparagus, mushrooms and artichokes on top. Sprinkle with scallions and mint. Place under the broiler close to the source of heat until it starts to become lightly dappled, about 6 minutes.
• Meanwhile grill or toast the bread. Brush with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoon olive oil and rub with garlic. Serve the cheese and vegetables directly from the skillet, with grilled bread alongside.

PAPPARDELLE WITH FRESH RICOTTA, SQUASH BLOSSOMS AND BASIL OIL

Steps:

• To make the basil oil, in a small dish stir together the basil, garlic, lemon zest and olive oil. Add a little salt and pepper. Set aside for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al dente.
• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and cook until barely done, 1 or 2 minutes. Turn off the heat. Tear the squash blossoms into strips.
• Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Add pappardelle to the skillet with the zucchini. Add squash blossoms, ricotta and a little salt and pepper. Quickly stir together with 2 wooden spoons, leaving the ricotta a little chunky. Add pasta water if necessary and transfer to a warm serving bowl.
• At the table, top each serving with 2 teaspoons basil oil and a sprinkling of grated pecorino.