Tagliatelle Mimosa – A Tribute to Flavor and Elegance
Tagliatelle mimosa, a dish that celebrates the beauty of fresh ingredients and the richness of Italian cuisine, offers a blend of delicate flavors and textures that are perfect for any festive occasion, including the celebration of International Women’s Day. This refined pasta dish features homemade tagliatelle paired with a velvety fish and saffron mixture, making it a harmonious marriage of the earthiness of spinach, the creaminess of sauce, and the light, tender fish.
Category: Primi Piatti
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For the Tagliatelle:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 3 |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 300g |
| Spinach (fresh) | 60g |
| Bread (crumbed) | 80g |
| Saffron | 1 sachet |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 50g |
| Salt | to taste |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Black pepper | to taste |
For the Fish and Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 1 |
| Pollock (or other firm white fish) | 250g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Fresh cream (liquid) | 250ml |
| Brandy | 1 tbsp |
| Butter | 30g |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Tagliatelle
Begin by preparing your homemade spinach tagliatelle. To do this, blend fresh spinach into a vibrant green puree. Combine the spinach puree with eggs and flour, and knead until the dough is smooth. Allow it to rest covered for at least 30 minutes in a cool area to ensure the dough sets properly. After resting, roll out the dough into thin sheets and cut them into tagliatelle strips.
Step 2: Making the Fish Mixture
While the dough is resting, focus on preparing the fish mixture. First, remove any bones from the fish and cut it into small pieces. Place the fish into a large bowl and add the crushed garlic clove, bread crumbs, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, the single egg, salt, and pepper to taste. Dissolve the saffron in a tablespoon of water and add it to the fish mixture. Mix well until you have a soft, cohesive blend. Using your hands, form small, bite-sized meatballs or polpettine from the fish mixture. Set aside.
Step 3: Cooking the Fish and Sauce
In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter together. Add two whole garlic cloves to infuse the oil with flavor, and then remove them once they are golden brown. Next, gently place the fish polpettine into the pan, cooking them for about two minutes, allowing them to brown slightly. Carefully add the brandy, and let it cook for a moment to evaporate. Then, pour in the fresh cream, season with salt and pepper, and let the mixture simmer gently for a few more minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. The result will be a creamy, luxurious sauce with perfectly cooked fish.
Step 4: Cooking the Tagliatelle
As the sauce is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the fresh tagliatelle into the water and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until they are tender and al dente. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Step 5: Bringing it All Together
Once the tagliatelle is cooked, drain it well, reserving a bit of the pasta water. Add the pasta directly to the pan with the fish and sauce, tossing gently to coat the noodles in the creamy mixture. If necessary, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Plating and Serving
To serve, divide the tagliatelle and fish mixture among four plates. Garnish with additional Parmigiano Reggiano and a few fresh cracks of black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy the light yet flavorful experience of this dish, perfect for any special occasion.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Cholesterol | 140mg |
A Note on the Dish:
Tagliatelle mimosa is a beautiful and sophisticated dish, perfect for celebrating the arrival of spring, holidays, or simply to enjoy a rich yet light meal with loved ones. The vibrant green tagliatelle pairs beautifully with the delicate fish polpettine and saffron cream sauce, making it a meal that’s as visually striking as it is delicious. With its blend of fresh ingredients and elegant presentation, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time you prepare it.
Buon appetito and happy celebrations!
