Cacao Tagliatelle with Gorgonzola and Walnuts
This indulgent pasta dish combines the rich, earthy flavors of cocoa with the creamy intensity of gorgonzola, finished off with a delightful crunch of walnuts. Perfect for a special occasion or an elevated dinner, this recipe brings together unique ingredients to create a rich and flavorful meal.
Category: First Courses
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 1 hour (plus resting time)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 360g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 40g |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Fine salt | 5g |
| Water | As needed |
| Gorgonzola cheese | 200g |
| Whole milk | 100ml |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Walnut sauce | 120g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cocoa Pasta Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of fine salt. Make a well in the center.
- Crack the eggs into the well and begin mixing with a fork, gradually incorporating the dry ingredients into the eggs.
- Continue to mix until a dough begins to form. If needed, add a small amount of water to help bring the dough together. You want the dough to be firm but elastic.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes on a clean, floured surface, until it becomes smooth and homogeneous. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as necessary.
- Once kneaded, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in a cool place for at least 1 hour. This will allow the dough to relax and become easier to roll out.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
- After the resting time, take the dough and divide it into smaller portions for easier handling. Using a rolling pin or a pasta machine, roll out each portion to a thickness of about 1mm.
- Lay the rolled-out pasta sheets on a clean, floured kitchen towel to prevent sticking. Dust the top of the sheets with more flour.
- Cut the sheets into tagliatelle. If using a pasta machine, feed the sheets through the cutting attachment to create the long, ribbon-like noodles. If rolling by hand, carefully roll the sheets into cylinders, then cut into strips about 1.5cm wide.
- Once cut, gently unfold the tagliatelle and scatter them on the towel, making sure they are not overlapping. This will prevent them from sticking together.
Step 3: Make the Gorgonzola Sauce
- In a medium-sized pan, pour in the whole milk and add the gorgonzola cheese, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula.
- Place the pan over low heat and stir continuously until the gorgonzola has fully melted into the milk, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with freshly ground black pepper and adjust salt as needed.
- Keep the sauce warm on low heat, adding a little more milk or water if it becomes too thick.
Step 4: Cook the Cocoa Tagliatelle
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully drop in the cocoa tagliatelle.
- Cook the tagliatelle for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are al dente. Cocoa pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Once cooked, drain the tagliatelle, reserving a little of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked tagliatelle to the pan with the gorgonzola sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Once the tagliatelle is well-coated, stir in the walnut sauce for added flavor and texture.
- Serve the cocoa tagliatelle immediately, garnishing with extra walnuts if desired, and enjoy this luxurious dish that blends rich flavors with a creamy, savory sauce.
Enjoy your indulgent and decadent Cacao Tagliatelle with Gorgonzola and Walnuts, a delightful treat that will impress everyone at the dinner table!
This recipe for Tagliatelle al cacao, noci e gorgonzola is perfect for anyone looking to experiment with unique pasta flavors and elevate their culinary repertoire. The combination of cocoa pasta, gorgonzola sauce, and walnut adds a distinctive touch to the traditional pasta dish. Be sure to use the freshest ingredients for the best results and take your time to enjoy the process of making this savory dish.
