Spaghetti with Sea Asparagus
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Spaghetti | 320g |
| Sea Asparagus (Asparagi di Mare) | 400g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 50g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 30g |
| Fresh Chili Pepper | 30g |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
To prepare Spaghetti with Sea Asparagus, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil, where you’ll cook both the sea asparagus and the pasta. Be sure not to add salt to the water, as this plant is naturally salty. Once the water is boiling, blanch the sea asparagus for about 2-3 minutes (if you purchased it pre-packaged, there’s no need to rinse it, but follow the instructions on the packaging).
While the sea asparagus is cooking, prepare the seasoning. Remove the stem from the fresh chili pepper. Gently tap the pepper on the cutting board to release all the seeds, then slice it into rounds, about half a centimeter thick, and set aside.
Next, slightly crush the garlic clove with the flat side of a knife. Pour the olive oil into a pan and add the garlic and sliced chili pepper. Sauté over low heat.
Once the sea asparagus is done, reserve the cooking water and drain the asparagus. Add it to the pan to infuse the flavors for about a minute on low heat, then remove the garlic clove from the pan.
Bring the reserved cooking water back to a boil to cook the spaghetti. When the spaghetti is about 3-4 minutes from being fully cooked, drain it, but save some of the cooking water to add as needed while sautéing.
Add the cooked spaghetti into the pan with the sea asparagus mixture and continue cooking, adding some of the reserved cooking water as necessary to create a smooth sauce. Once the pasta is done, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano to coat the spaghetti evenly. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and give it one last toss to mix everything together.
Serve hot, and enjoy your flavorful, vibrant Spaghetti with Sea Asparagus!
This delightful dish blends the salty tang of sea asparagus with the creaminess of Parmigiano Reggiano and a gentle heat from fresh chili peppers. It’s a perfect example of a simple yet elegant Italian recipe, perfect for a satisfying meal.
