This week I thought I'd use on of my favourite types of pasta - pappardelle.
I'll be making a dish from my mother's region of Emiglia-Romagna - Pappardelle with pancetta and lentils. It may seem odd combining pasta and a legume but you see it quite frequently in Italian cuisine. If I was being more authentic I'd use lardo but it's difficult to source so I've substituted pancetta. Another change is that I'm using Australian black lentils.
Pappardelle
100 grams pancetta, cut into lardons
1 cup black lentils
parsley leaves, roughly chopped
Parmigiano-Reggiano, shaved
Cook the lentils:
If you are looking for a quicker option, you could use canned lentils instead.
These cooking instructions only apply to these specific Australian Black Lentils.
Place a pot of water to boil and when boiling add the lentils. Stir and remove from the heat. Cover and let it stand for about 15 minutes.
Cook the pancetta:
Place a non-stick skillet over a medium heat - when heated, add in the pancetta and cook until browned. There's enough fat in the pancetta for it to easily brown, there's no need to add any oil or butter initially.
Once the pancetta is golden and crisp, turn down the heat and add the lentils - stir and cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavours to mingle. Finish off with a tablespoon of butter and a handful of chopped parsley - the butter adds a gloss to the lentils.
To finish:
Add the cooked, drained pasta to the lentil mixture, along with some finely shaved parmesan - toss this well and tumble out onto a serving bowl. Finish with extra parmesan and parsley if desired.
I just had a craving for pancetta and bought a ton so this tasty treat is very timely. Thanks so much for sharing with Presto Pasta Nights 200 and for being such a great supporter from the beginning.
ReplyDeleteMarch 4th is the big 4th birthday bash, hope to see you then... and before that too.
This looks so delicious, and so simple!
ReplyDeleteLooks delicious and wholesome! Pappardelle is my bf's favourite pasta so I might have to make this one for him soon!
ReplyDeleteLove the presentation
ReplyDeleteYour beautiful photos make it look so appetizing. I've never done this combination before, and am now looking forward to trying it, though I'll probably use a bit of the guanciale that's curing, instead of pancetta.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruth - you can count me in for the 4th, I wouldn't miss!
ReplyDeleteThanks Muppy!
Thanks Forager - it is simple but the flavour is all there
Thanks Food Hunter!
Thanks Claudia - guanciale would be fabulous. I'd be happy just eating the lentils sauteed with guanciale ;)