When spring is in full swing there is nothing better than to go to the fruit and veg shop to stock up on some seasonal vegetables. Among the best of these is undoubtedly asparagus, sweet and tender as can be. Today we suggest a pasta dish based on asparagus, avoiding the use of cream or butter but opting instead for lots of flavour and delicacy. It goes without saying then that this recipe is suitable for vegetarians, but also for those who don’t want to give up on their light diet.
* approximate values per serving
Clean the asparagus by removing the hard part of the stem, place in a steamer and cook for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, sauté the finely chopped shallot in some extra virgin olive oil. When the asparagus is ready, cut it into small pieces leaving the tips to one side. Add the remaining pieces of asparagus to the frying pan and sauté briefly. Pour the white wine into the pan and reduce. Season with salt and take off the heat. Mix the two grated cheeses together in a bowl. Bring the water to a boil and cook the orecchiette. Add a ladle of water from the pasta to the cheese and mix well so as to create a creamy sauce. Drain the orecchiette and toss in the pan with the asparagus, then transfer both to the bowl with the creamy cheese sauce and mix well. Garnish with the asparagus tips and serve.
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Prepare the asparagus and put them in a steamer to cook
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Put a little olive oil in a frying pan
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Add the shallots and fry gently
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Add the cooked asparagus cut into pieces, add some wine and reduce, adjust the salt
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Grate some parmesan and pecorino cheese in a bowl
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Add a little of the pasta cooking water to the chesses and make a creamy sauce
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Drain the pasta and add to the asparagus
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Add the orecchiette pasta and asparagus to the creamy cheese sauce and finish by garnishing with the tips
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A delicious variant of orecchiette with asparagus includes the addition of potatoes, which make the dish even creamier and heartier. To prepare this recipe, boil diced potatoes together with the orecchiette, following the cooking times indicated for the pasta. Once cooked, combine the potatoes with the asparagus sautéed in a pan with shallots and white wine, mixing everything with grated cheeses. This combination not only enriches the dish with flavor but also makes it perfect for a hearty lunch. The potatoes, with their soft texture, pair well with the delicate taste of asparagus, creating an irresistible balance of flavors. Try it and discover a new dimension of the traditional orecchiette recipe!
For an authentic culinary experience, you can prepare orecchiette with asparagus Pugliese style, following the gastronomic traditions of the region. In this version, fresh asparagus is sautéed with extra virgin olive oil and shallots, but you can also add a touch of chili to give a bit of spiciness to the dish. The use of fresh, local ingredients is essential to enhance the flavors. Additionally, you can choose to finish the preparation with a sprinkle of cacioricotta Pugliese, a typical cheese from the area, which will give a unique and authentic flavor. This regional variant not only celebrates the Pugliese culinary tradition but also makes the orecchiette even more delicious and aromatic!
For those who desire a lighter preparation, orecchiette with asparagus can be made in a light version, omitting the cheeses. This choice not only reduces calories but also makes the dish suitable for those following a vegan diet or who have lactose intolerance. Use fresh asparagus, extra virgin olive oil, and shallots to create a simple yet flavorful dressing. You can add fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to enrich the dish with freshness and aroma. Cooking the orecchiette al dente and combining them with the asparagus will make the dish tasty without weighing it down, offering a healthy and nutritious alternative, ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Orecchiette with asparagus is not only a delicious dish but also rich in health benefits. Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as important antioxidants. These nutrients are beneficial for the immune system and skin health. Additionally, asparagus is high in fiber, which promotes digestion and helps maintain a sense of fullness. A plate of orecchiette with asparagus provides about 350 calories, depending on the quantities of ingredients used, making it a balanced option for a meal. By choosing fresh, quality ingredients, you can enjoy a tasty and healthy dish, perfect for any occasion.
Sure, orecchiette with asparagus can be stored, but it's important to follow some guidelines to keep them fresh. If you have prepared a large portion, you can place the orecchiette in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Before consuming, it is advisable to reheat them in a pan with a drizzle of oil or in the microwave, adding a bit of water if necessary to prevent them from drying out. If you wish to freeze them, make sure to do so before adding the cheeses, as they may alter the texture. This way, you'll always have a ready-to-eat dish available whenever you crave it!