Rustic Pasta Salad with Smoked Pancetta Cubes
Category: First Courses
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fusilli (or any pasta of your choice) | 320g |
| Smoked Pancetta | 100g |
| Pre-cooked Red Beans | 200g |
| Zucchini | 200g |
| Red Bell Pepper | 1 |
| Yellow Bell Pepper | 1 |
| Fresh Chili Pepper | 1 |
| Parsley | 1 bunch |
| Thyme | 1 bunch |
| Chives | 4 sprigs |
| Saffron | 1 pinch |
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing the bell peppers. Cut them in half, removing the seeds and white membranes. Slice them into thin strips. Do the same with the zucchini by cutting them into matchsticks. This will give a nice texture to the salad later.
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Cook the Pancetta: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked pancetta cubes and fry them for a few minutes until they release their flavor and become slightly crispy. Once done, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and a whole garlic clove to the pan.
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Add Fresh Chili: Finely chop the fresh chili and add it to the skillet for a touch of heat and flavor. Continue to sauté for about 10 minutes over medium-high heat. The vegetables should cook, but remain crisp and fresh, not softening too much.
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Incorporate the Beans: Drain the pre-cooked red beans from their soaking liquid and add them to the pan. Continue to cook everything together for another 2 minutes. You want the beans to warm up but the vegetables to remain vibrant and crunchy. Remove the garlic clove once everything is cooked through.
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Prepare the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. While waiting, take a teaspoon of hot water from the pot and dissolve the saffron in it. Add the saffron water to the boiling pasta water for a subtle golden hue and rich flavor. Cook the fusilli or your preferred pasta according to the instructions on the packaging until al dente.
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Mix the Pasta and Vegetables: Drain the pasta and toss it with the cooked pancetta and vegetable mixture. Stir in fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and chives for an aromatic touch. You can serve this dish either warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
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Serving: Serve the rustic pasta salad either warm, allowing the flavors to meld together, or chilled for a refreshing, cool dish. Garnish with extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Enjoy
This rustic pasta salad with smoked pancetta is perfect for a family meal, potlucks, or even as a hearty side dish. The smokiness from the pancetta pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables and saffron-infused pasta. The texture of the beans and the crunchiness of the peppers and zucchini give this dish a delightful contrast that’s sure to please your taste buds.
