Angel-Hair Pasta With Crab and Country Ham

🍝 Angel-Hair Pasta With Crab and Country Ham 🦀🍖

What is it?
Angel-hair pasta with crab and country ham is a delightful Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines the delicate flavors of angel-hair pasta with the richness of crab meat and the smoky goodness of country ham. This dish is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it a gourmet treat for your taste buds.

History:
The exact origin of this dish is not well-documented, but it likely emerged as a fusion of Italian and Southern American culinary traditions. Crab and ham are popular ingredients in Southern cuisine, while angel-hair pasta is a classic Italian staple. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique and flavorful pasta dish.

Components:

• Angel-Hair Pasta: A thin pasta variety, often called “capellini,” that cooks quickly and has a delicate texture.
• Crab Meat: Typically lump crab meat is used, known for its sweet and tender flavor.
• Country Ham: A type of cured and smoked ham that adds a salty and smoky note to the dish.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Ingredients like garlic, shallots, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest are used for flavor enhancement.
• Olive Oil and Butter: Used for sautéing and flavor.
• White Wine: Adds depth and acidity to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Used to create a creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is often sprinkled on top for extra richness.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel-hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté Ham and Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced country ham and sauté until it becomes slightly crispy. Add minced garlic and chopped shallots, cooking until fragrant.

3. Add Crab and Wine: Stir in the lump crab meat and white wine. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.

4. Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

5. Season and Finish: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and freshly grated lemon zest. Add a knob of butter for richness. Stir in chopped fresh parsley.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked angel-hair pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy crab and ham mixture.

7. Serve: Plate the dish and garnish with more fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time for angel-hair pasta with crab and country ham can vary, but on average, it takes approximately 30-40 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a relatively quick and impressive dish for a special meal or a delightful weeknight dinner.

Enjoy your delicious Angel-Hair Pasta With Crab and Country Ham! 🍽️🦀🍖