ππ Angel Hair Pasta with Shallots and Pecorino π§
Angel Hair Pasta with Shallots and Pecorino is a delightful Italian pasta dish known for its delicate and flavorful combination of ingredients. It’s a relatively simple yet elegant recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
π History:
While the exact origins of this dish are unclear, it is firmly rooted in Italian cuisine, where pasta has a rich and storied history. Angel hair pasta, also known as capellini, is a thin pasta variety that pairs well with light sauces. Shallots and Pecorino cheese are also commonly used ingredients in Italian cooking, known for their unique flavors.
π₯ Components:
- Angel Hair Pasta (Capellini): This pasta is incredibly thin and delicate, resembling fine strands of hair. It cooks quickly and absorbs sauces beautifully.
- Shallots: Shallots are small, mild onions with a subtle sweetness that adds a unique depth of flavor to the dish.
- Pecorino Cheese: Pecorino is a hard, salty Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a sharp and tangy taste that complements the other ingredients.
π½οΈ Steps to Prepare:
Ingredients:
- Angel Hair Pasta
- Shallots (finely chopped)
- Pecorino Cheese (grated)
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh Herbs (such as parsley, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2-4 minutes). It cooks very quickly, so keep an eye on it.
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SautΓ© Shallots:
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped shallots and sautΓ© until they become translucent and fragrant.
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Combine:
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the pan with the sautΓ©ed shallots.
- Toss the pasta and shallots together to coat the pasta with the shallot-infused olive oil.
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Add Pecorino Cheese:
- Sprinkle the grated Pecorino cheese over the pasta and shallot mixture.
- Gently toss the pasta again until the cheese begins to melt and coat the pasta.
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Season and Garnish:
- Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
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Serve:
- Plate the Angel Hair Pasta with Shallots and Pecorino, and offer additional Pecorino for those who want more cheese.
β° Preparation Time:
This dish is known for its quick preparation. From start to finish, you can have a plate of Angel Hair Pasta with Shallots and Pecorino ready to serve in about 20-30 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious and emoji-worthy meal! ππ½οΈπ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Angel Hair Pasta with Shallots and Pecorino. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so it’s always a good idea to refer to specific product labels for precise information:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values):
- Calories: One serving of Angel Hair Pasta with Shallots and Pecorino typically contains around 350-400 calories.
- Protein: This dish provides approximately 10-15 grams of protein per serving, primarily from the pasta and Pecorino cheese.
- Carbohydrates: You can expect around 40-50 grams of carbohydrates per serving, mainly from the pasta.
- Dietary Fiber: There’s minimal dietary fiber in this dish, typically around 1-2 grams.
- Fats: This pasta dish contains roughly 15-20 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the olive oil and Pecorino cheese.
- Saturated Fat: About 5-8 grams of saturated fat, mainly from the cheese and a small amount from the olive oil.
- Cholesterol: Pecorino cheese is a source of cholesterol, so a serving may contain around 20-30 milligrams.
- Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on how much salt is used in the recipe, but it’s typically in the range of 300-500 milligrams per serving.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Angel hair pasta provides some B vitamins like folate, and Pecorino cheese contributes calcium and vitamin A.
Health Information:
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Moderation: Angel Hair Pasta with Shallots and Pecorino can be a delicious part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Keep portion sizes reasonable to manage calorie and carbohydrate intake.
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Protein: While this dish contains some protein, consider adding lean protein sources such as grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more balanced meal.
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Saturated Fat: Pecorino cheese can be high in saturated fat, so be mindful of your overall saturated fat intake when enjoying this dish. You can use a lighter cheese or reduce the cheese quantity if you’re concerned about saturated fat.
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Fiber: This dish is relatively low in dietary fiber, so consider serving it with a side of vegetables or a salad to increase your fiber intake.
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Sodium: Be cautious with the salt used in the recipe, as excessive sodium intake can be detrimental to health. Opt for reduced-sodium versions of ingredients if possible.
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Nutrient Variety: To make this meal more nutritious, you can add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for added vitamins and minerals.
Remember that the nutritional content can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so it’s a good practice to check product labels and calculate the nutrition facts based on your recipe if you have specific dietary concerns.