Zucchini Feta And Squash Blossom Pasta Recipes

PASTA AI FIORI DI ZUCCA (PASTA WITH ZUCCHINI BLOSSOMS)

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with water, stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta-cooking water.
• Clean and rinse zucchini blossoms, removing the inner parts (stigma or anthers); coarsely chop the flowers.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat; cook and stir garlic in the hot oil until it begins to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir parsley, saffron, and reserved 1/2 cup of pasta-cooking water into skillet; stir to combine. Add zucchini blossoms and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle cornmeal into mixture and stir constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Gently fold penne pasta into zucchini blossom mixture and top with Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.

PASTA WITH ZUCCHINI, FETA AND FRIED LEMON

Steps:

• Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse pasta with cool water to stop cooking and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
• Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add walnuts, if using, and toss to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until walnuts are toasted and golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or strainer, transfer the walnuts to a small bowl (leaving the oil behind) and season with salt; set aside.
• Add shallots and lemon to the oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until both the shallots and lemons are totally softened and have begun to caramelize, 5 to 8 minutes. Add capers and stir to coat in the oil, letting them sizzle a minute or two.
• Add zucchini and season with salt and pepper. (Do not be alarmed at the amount of zucchini in the skillet; it will cook down by about half.) Cook, stirring occasionally, until much of the water has evaporated from the zucchini and it has totally softened, become translucent and is beginning to brown at the edges, 10 to 15 minutes. (This mixture should be very flavorful and lightly saucy.)
• Remove pan from heat and add pasta, tossing to coat. (If your skillet is very full, you can always transfer everything to a large bowl and toss to coat there.) Season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer pasta to a large serving bowl and top with toasted walnuts, feta and herbs, finishing with a drizzle of olive oil.

ZUCCHINI, FETA AND SQUASH BLOSSOM PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and liberally season with salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
• While the pasta cooks, heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Heat the butter and olive oil until the butter melts. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring, until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the corn and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn has softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and reduce the heat to low.
• Add the pasta, squash blossoms and chopped basil to the skillet. Stir together, adding the reserved cooking water, if the mixture looks too dry. Add the feta and stir through. Taste for seasoning and add more salt or pepper, if needed.
• Scoop into a large shallow bowl and garnish with basil leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature.