Rigatoni Con Fave, Guanciale e Pecorino

Ingredients:

400 grams of pasta

500g fresh broad beans

2 artichokes

A handful of peas

Extra virgin olive oil to taste

1 fresh onion

Salt to taste

Pepper as needed

7/8 slices of bacon

500 g pasta (I used homemade pasta)

For The Perorino Cream:

50 gr. butter

50o ml of milk

150 gr. Grated pecorino romano

Instructions:

Step 1:

Chop the onion and brown it in oil, add broad beans, cleaned and sliced peas and artichokes, a little water and cook until it turns into a cream, add salt and pepper.

Step 2:

In the meantime, melt the butter in a saucepan, with the heat off, mix with the flour and slowly add the warm milk (as for the béchamel sauce), cook until it thickens.

Step 3:

Cook the pasta in boiling salted water, drain it and season with the vegetable cream and the pecorino cream, mixing everything together.

Pepper a little more and place the bacon roasted in the pan

Notes:

Seasonal Ingredients: This recipe utilizes seasonal ingredients like fresh broad beans, artichokes, and peas, which not only enhance flavor but also provide nutritional benefits.

Texture and Flavor Balance: The combination of ingredients such as broad beans, artichokes, peas, and bacon offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, creating a rich and satisfying dish.

Homemade Pasta Option: While the recipe mentions using 500g of pasta, it suggests using homemade pasta. This adds a personal touch to the dish and allows for customization of pasta shapes and textures.

Pecorino Cream: The addition of a pecorino cream enriches the sauce, providing a creamy and indulgent element to the dish. It adds a distinctive flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

Cooking Technique: The method of cooking the vegetables until they form a creamy consistency adds depth and richness to the sauce, ensuring that the flavors meld together harmoniously.

Bacon Addition: The use of bacon adds a savory and smoky flavor profile to the dish, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables and the richness of the pecorino cream.

Adjusting Seasonings: Since the recipe calls for seasoning to taste, it allows for flexibility in adjusting the salt, pepper, and other seasonings according to personal preferences.

Presentation: The final dish can be garnished with additional grated pecorino cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor and visual appeal.

Versatility: This recipe can be adapted based on ingredient availability and dietary preferences. For example, vegetarians can omit the bacon or replace it with a meat substitute, while lactose-free options can use dairy-free alternatives for the pecorino cream.

Enjoyment: Rigatoni Con Fave, Guanciale e Pecorino offers a comforting and flavorful meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests, showcasing the vibrant flavors of seasonal produce and Italian culinary tradition.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried pasta instead of fresh pasta?

Yes, you can use dried pasta if fresh pasta is not available.

Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

What can I use as a substitute for broad beans?

If fresh broad beans are not available, you can use frozen broad beans or substitute with other green vegetables like green beans or asparagus.

Can I omit the bacon to make it vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the bacon to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.

You can add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor.

How do I clean and prepare artichokes for this recipe?

To clean and prepare artichokes, trim off the tough outer leaves, trim the stem, and cut off the top third of the artichoke.

Then, slice the artichoke in half and remove the fuzzy choke.

Can I make the pecorino cream sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pecorino cream sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Reheat it gently on the stove before mixing it with the pasta.

What type of flour should I use for the pecorino cream sauce?

You can use all-purpose flour for the pecorino cream sauce.

It helps thicken the sauce and give it a creamy consistency.

How do I know when the vegetables are cooked to a creamy consistency?

The vegetables are cooked to a creamy consistency when they are soft enough to be easily mashed with a fork or potato masher.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of pecorino romano?

While pecorino romano adds a distinctive flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with Parmesan cheese or another hard cheese if preferred.

What other vegetables can I add to this dish?

You can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini for additional flavor and nutrients.

How should I store leftovers of this dish?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.