Tag: pancetta

Pasta with Pancetta, Parsley and Peppers

Here is a vibrant and delicious way to use up partially used packages of pasta.

2 tsp. garlic-infused olive oil
1 shallot, diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced if large
1/3 cup pancetta cubes
1/2 tsp. dried chili flakes
zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
1 x 12 oz. jar roasted red peppers, cut into pieces
1 cup parsley leaves
8 oz. pasta
4 tbs. grated Parmesan cheese

Heat a pot of water for the pasta. Generously add salt.

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and gently cook the shallots and mushrooms until tender. Stir in the pancetta, chili flakes pepper, lemon zest and juice. Cook until the pancetta is golden, then stir in the red peppers and most of the parsley.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Keep back a little pasta water, then drain and add to the saucepan. Toss in the cheese and add enough pasta water to moisten. Transfer to a serving bowl and scatter over the remaining parsley.

Serves 2

Pollo Alla Cacciatora

Usually Chicken Cacciatori is a lengthy affair to make. In this version, Nigella has simplified it without losing any of the slow-cooked, cozy, comfort-food qualities.

1 tsp. garlic-infused olive oil
1/2 cup pancetta cubes
6 scallions, chopped
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, each cut into 4 pieces
1/2 tsp. celery salt
1/2 cup white wine
1 x 14 oz. tin chopped tomatos
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 x 14 oz. tin cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
chopped fresh parsley, to serve

Put the oil in a pan with the pancetta, scallions and rosemary. Sauté for a couple of minutes. Add the chicken, stirring well, and the celery salt. Pour in the wine and let it come to a bubble before adding the tomatoes, bay leaves and sugar. Put the lid on and let the pan simmer for 20 minutes.

Uncover, and add the beans. Cook for a bit longer, then serve with the parsley sprinkled on top.

Serves 4